Connections Centre

Specialist Feature News

Selamat Siang,

This week Foundation students explored the effect of applying different forces to play-doh. They observed what happened when they pushed, pulled, slid and rolled the play-doh. Students had a great time following “force” instructions from a partner.

1/2 students continued their work on how to conduct an experiment using the Predict, Observe, Explain method. They discussed how to conduct a “fair” test and applied their knowledge to a sink or float investigation. They had so much fun testing out all sorts of items. 

Ben - "Did you know a metal spoon sinks straight away and a plastic spoon floats for a while then eventually sinks? I wonder why!" 

3/4 students got creative and designed their very own games that rely on magnetic principles. They selected characters and created their own rules, using “magnetic fishing” as a guide. They cant wait to test out each other's games next week!

5/6 students investigated the environmental impact of non-renewable energy. They used a choc-chip cookie model to simulate the impact of coal mining on the earth’s surface, surrounding landscape and flora and fauna. Their role was to extract the coal (choc-chips) from the cookie with minimal damage to the surrounding landscape (biscuit layer). Students made suggestions on how to revegetate the site to reverse the mining damage and discussed forms of renewable energy as an alternative energy source. This lesson was a total hit with the students! 

Sienna -  “Best science lesson EVER!”

Have a great week!

Stephanie Muratovic and Simone Rock

School Holiday Fun- 

If you’re keen to keep the kids entertained these school holidays, head to the Whitehorse Council Website and check out the Autumn School Holiday Program. There are plenty of arts and craft, sport and science events, including “Incredible Insects and Marvelous Minibeasts” at Blackburn Lake Sanctuary and “Make Your Own Aussie Bush Buddy” at Yarran Dheran Reserve. More info can be found at https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/

Yana Gill, Treesje Butterworth, Simone Rock, Marissa Mundy, Claire Andrews and Stephanie Muratovic.