From the Classrooms

PREP STEM

This term in STEM the Prep students have been ENGINEERS.  They were required to design, build and test a raft to take the 3 Billy Goats Gruff across the river safely! During the design process we discussed how the structure of the raft can affect its ability to float and carry weight. This can be linked to ACTDEK002, which focuses on how forces and the properties of materials affect the behaviour of a product.

We discussed the different material available for building the rafts, (wood, cork, sponge, foam, foil, cardboard) and during the testing phase some students realised they needed to add some more buoyant materials to their design.

We had lots of fun working on this project.

GRADE 1-2 STEM

This term in STEM the Grade 1-2 students have been Scientists.  The students have explored how everyday materials can be physically changed or combined with other materials in a variety of ways (ACSSU018). We have been having some fun exploding zip lock bags! We all followed the same method/procedure in a group on the first trial but even though our bags filled with carbon dioxide not many of them popped. So we experimented with variables.  We adjusted either the size of the bag, the amount of bicarb or the amount of vinegar.  We have had lots of amazing colourful explosions in STEM over the last few weeks.  This week we have experimented with fireworks in a jar!