STEM

From two down to one! 

Hi everyone, 

Aaron here. 

We are back for another term of STEM, and we start off with a farewell. My colleague in STEM, Amber V, has had a change in roles and is now running the PE program for Aitken Hill Primary School. STEM is still going strong, with myself holding the fort for STEM across P-6. Our communities participating in STEM have been quite fortunate to be working with some other great teachers in Estelle and Alex who have co-taught the STEM classes in Term 2. Thank you to Amber, Estelle and Alex for your contributions to STEM this term!

Prep STEM - all about plants!

Settling well into primary school life, our Preps in term 2 worked together to identify the four components required for plants to grow: soil, a seed, water and sunlight. Prep students planted lettuce, carrot and beetroot plants, monitored their growth and took care of their plants across the term. Preps also drew their observations, identified seasonal fruit and vegetables and discussed the seasons and what makes them special for certain plants. 

1/2 STEM - Sustainability and Recycling

In term 2 the grade 1 and 2 communities did substantial work in improving the sustainability actions of Aitken Hill Primary School. Following from the Big Battery Rescue incursion live-stream in the first week of term 2, students investigated the way in which Australia can recycle most things that we use. Students also recognised that by recyling or reusing items we can save many non-renewable from going to landfill. Students in grade 1 and 2 STEM went to champion paper and cardboard recycling in other grades and communities of Aitken Hill Primary School, further increasing our capacity to recycle resources used in the classroom.

3/4 STEM - Deforestation 

In term 2 the grade 3 and 4 communities looked at Australia's deforestation, the importance of our pine tree industry and ways to engage with the impacts of unsustained logging. Students explored how Australia's pine industry currently works, and the impacts of unsustainable logging on Australian wildlife. In response, students create posters to raise awareness and share these with other communities.

5/6 STEM - Evading Extinction

In term 2 the grade 5 and 6 students explored the animal kingdom and the reality that some have gone extinct, with others in the endangered category. Students learned how and why certain animals were endangered and extinct through research. For a endangered species students created a small news report, explaining more about what could be done for the animal to prevent its extinction.