Science & STEM

Students investigate the chemical sciences areas of materials and the physical science area of movement. Both programs are literacy based as well as involving some initiating practical investigations. In the materials unit, students learn about natural and synthetic materials. Sorting and classifying materials according to their origin, properties and purpose. A collage project is one exciting feature of this unit.

In the movement unit, the students study the way objects move. They explore whether size or shape are factors in the way an object moves. This unit includes many practical investigations carried out in a whole class setting. Basic scientific language pertaining to laboratory practices is introduced at this level.

The two key areas of exploration build upon the knowledge and experiences that the students gained in the Foundation (Prep) year. Students explore how everyday materials can be physically changed in a variety of ways. This unit involves a wide range of practical investigations carried out in both the Lab and the schoolyard.

In the Physical Sciences unit, the investigations are structured in order to explore the range of sources of light and sound. The way in which our senses are involved in this process is also researched and tested in a variety of practical investigations. The students are beginning to be responsible for some areas of the practical investigations but are often led through the investigations with high teacher direction. Students are building on their language acquired in the foundation year and begin to use more specific terminology when discussing practical investigations.

In this program students continue to build upon their knowledge of materials by looking at the ways in which different materials can be combined. Students are involved in mixing substances for both specific purpose as well as fun to see what happens. Once again, this unit includes a large number of practical investigations. It is at this point that students are explicitly taught the purpose of PPE ( personal protective equipment) where they are regular wearers of safety coats and goggles. This is a most enjoyable aspect of the program for students as it is at this point that they view themselves as real scientists.

The second area of study is a physical sciences unit where we look at how a push or a pull affects how an object moves or changes shape. Once again, the students complete a variety of practical investigations to observe how this occurs. It is at this stage that students begin to complete short statements using correct terminology when reflecting on an investigation.

In Year three, the students are further extended in the materials unit as they explore the change of state between solid and liquid. We investigate the effects of adding or removing heat and how this influences state of matter. Many practical investigations are carried out and it is at this point that students are encouraged to begin designing their own investigations to test their hypothesis. This unit compliments the second unit where we explore the many ways in which heat can be produced and how it can move from one object to another. At this stage, students are introduced to the format of a written practical investigation report. They are led through the key areas and begin to produce their own simple reports with teacher assistance. Correct scientific terminology is encouraged when writing up practical investigations.

The first unit of study is in the area of physical sciences where an extensive study of forces is completed. We specifically look at how forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance. Again, students design and complete a wide range of practical investigations. It is at this level that students begin to explore specific vocabulary associated with writing up practical investigations and they begin to become more responsible for the creation of their prac reports. They further develop these skills in their second unit of work where the physical properties of natural and processed materials are put to the test. Building on their knowledge from previous years, students make predictions about how the properties of particular materials can influence their use.

The first unit of study at this level is a physical sciences unit on Light. An in depth study of how light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted is carried out through a variety of practical investigations. Students begin to work alone to complete these investigations to encourage them to become more independent, rather than always relying on a prac partner.

The second unit continues the study of materials from the previous year, but the students look at more sophisticated ways in which solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties. We look at how the state of matter influences the different ways in which the substance may behave. This is another unit where the students are improving their laboratory skills and they can be seen to be organising many aspects of an investigation including making their own improvements to the methods suggested to investigate a question or solve a problem.

Electricity is the first unit that the students explore in this program. Students complete investigations in order to make accurate conclusions about how an electrical circuit provides a means of transferring and transforming electricity. They also explore how energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity. At this stage, students are usually working independently to complete investigations as an emphasis on personal organisation is actively fostered.

The second unit is a chemical sciences unit on change. We explore reversible changes to materials such as melting, freezing and evaporating. They are compared to irreversible changes such as burning and rusting. Students work towards designing their own investigations in this unit. They are assisted to plan appropriate investigation methods to answer questions or solve a posed problem.