Science Education
Julie Garbutt: jgarbutt@srprestonwest.catholic.edu.au
Science Education
Julie Garbutt: jgarbutt@srprestonwest.catholic.edu.au
Foundation students begun to explore the scientific approach to conducting investigations of predicting, observing and explaining (POE).
Students investigated the question how many drops of water will fit on a 10c piece. They firstly predicted (made a best guess) the outcome, then observed (counted) the number of drops that would fit on the coin, and finally engaged in discussion to explain their observations.
Students repeated this POE process by investigating which of two objects would reach the ground first. Again students predicted the outcome, observed the results, and as a class we discussed and explained the outcome.
Through the unit 'All mixed up', Year 1/2 students are learning how and why substances can be combined. Students investigated what different black inks are made of. Students were highly engaged in this investigations and were delighted to learn that black inks are made of different coloured inks.
Students concluded the unit 'All mixed up' by reflecting on their activities and learning and created a mindmap to show their thinking.
Year 3/4 students are learning that different living things have different life cycles and depend on each other and the environment to survive. Students recorded and explained the results of their investigation into the impact of sunlight on seed germination. Our germination was very poor and students concluded that the it was therefore unclear if sunlight improves germination. Many students reasoned that because seeds need sunlight and warmth, which were lacking in our test environment, seed germination was very poor. Students then completed the unit 'All among the gum trees' by completing a mindmap to show their learning.
Students are learning that energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity. In week 7, students had the opportunity to learn more about renewable energy and to research an alternative energy technology.