STEM

Our learning in STEM this term is coming to a culmination. The 3/4 students were able to showcase their creativity and problem solving skills while they have been working on designing and building their catapults. There have been many successful attempts with various projectiles flying about the room. 

The prep-2s have been working on their engineering skills by designing and constructing a playground model. Their focus has been on moving parts of a playground that include push, pull, friction, gravity and spinning. They have had a great time working out their elements and how best to construct them.

In 5/6 STEM this term students were tasked with designing and constructing a working light feature. They had to come up with a design to house a working electrical circuit, some choices being light houses, robots and houses with light up elements. They have worked on building their understanding of conductivity and the elements of an electrical circuit such as switches, wire connectors and power source.

Engage with your child’s learning at home by asking these questions:

Prep-2

• Can you explain how your playground model works?
• Which moving part did you design, was it something that spins, pushes, or pulls?
• How did you make sure your playground piece actually moved the way you wanted?
• What did you discover about gravity or friction while testing your playground?

Years 3–4

• How did your catapult design change from your first idea to the final version?
• What problem did you come across while building, and how did you solve it?
• What skills did you use more, creativity or problem-solving, or both?

Years 5–6

• Can you describe the light feature you built and how it works?
• What did you learn about electrical circuits when making your project?
• Did you use a switch or connector in your circuit? Why was it important?
• What was the most challenging part of making your design, and how did you overcome it?