Specialist classes

Spotlight on STEM 

Students participate in one semester of STEM each year, from Prep - Year 6.

Students who are in the following classes are currently undertaking STEM as part of the specialist program at Hillsmeade Primary: Prep B, Prep D, 1A, 1D, 2B, 2D, 3D, 3E, 4B, 4D, 5A, 5C, 5E, 6B, 6D and 6E. 

Term 1 saw students in Year 1, 3 and 5 engaging in Chemical Science activities. 

Year 2, 4 and 6 students explored Physical Science while our Prep students had a Science discovery term learning about ways we can use science everyday. 

Some of our Prep students observing the world around them. 

Year 1's looked at materials, their properties and what happens when materials are combined. One of their favourite lessons was learning about Mia Mia shelters, traditional shelters of our Indigenous People, and creating their own using natural materials. 

Year 2's enjoyed exploring the way sounds vibrate off objects to create the sound we hear. They planned and created their own musical instruments to test this vibration theory. 

Year 3's observed the differences between solids, liquids and gases exploring how these states can be changed through heating and cooling. One of their favourite lessons was creating their own crayons using recycled crayon bits. 

Year 4's enjoyed exploring forces, using slingshots, magnets and air resistance to experiment with varying forces. 

Year 5's tested solubility by mixing and dissolving different materials. They explored the real life issue of solubility through an oil spill experiment - creating much discussion about how this gets cleaned up from our oceans and from wildlife that might be impacted. 

Year 6's identified the different ways we generate electricity and ways we can create electrical circuits using household groceries. Students were excited to see potatoes and lemons powering clocks. 

In Term 2 students in Years 1, 3 and 5 will explore Earth and Space Science while students in Year 2, 4 and 6 will explore Biological Science. Prep students will continue their exploration of science and ways we can use science as part of everyday life. 

*A reminder to parents of students in Years 1, 3 and 5 - Please check Compass for the upcoming Science Discovery Dome incursion. Approval and payment needs to be made for your child to attend this amazing incursion.