5/6H News - Science Week
On Tuesday 13th of August, 5/6H went to SDN Lady McKell to assist pre-school children in conducting a number of experiments for National Science Week 2019. National Science Week is an annual celebration of science in Australia and an opportunity to get together to explore and promote a love of science.
Students studied the expected Science outcomes that are taught to kindergarten students, and chose an area to teach to the pre-school students starting school next year. Each group of students were then given the challenging task of designing a learning activity to teach an outcome from the Science and Technology Curriculum. The activity needed to be engaging to younger students and make them feel excited about science.
After designing their science experiments, the enthused stage three students trialled their lesson plan with younger students. Luckily a willing kindergarten class allowed them to go in one afternoon and test their teaching and organisation skills!
‘We had five groups, doing different experiments. Each group focused on a different type of science. Our group blew up balloons using vinegar and bicarb soda. When we added the two together, there was a chemical reaction which made bubbles and the carbon dioxide blew up the balloon’ – Eloise.
‘Each group focused on a different type of technology. The coolest groups I saw included coding robotic mice to run through a maze; this was a focus on digital technology. There was also an air cannon group; the scientific focus on physics, or as we told the kindies, force and motion.’ – Charlotte.
‘It was a nice experience for us. The preschool children got to see what primary school children do for science.’ – Thomas.
‘I really liked the learning environment at Lady McKell. I think Room 4 really enjoyed the science experiments and learning something new.’ -Megan.
‘I was in a group using m&m’s. We put the m&m’s around a plate, we added warm water onto the plate and watched the colour of the m&m create a rainbow. The colour created a rainbow because the sugar on the shell dissolved and leaked into the water.’ – Byron.
‘Overall the children loved the fun, educational activities we did with them. Not only did they see what it's like to be in school, they also learnt some cool science!’ - Neve.
Both students from 5/6H and Lady McKell thoroughly enjoyed their day being teachers and students. Lady McKell enjoyed it so much that they have asked Ss Peter & Paul’s students to come back again soon. Keep an eye out for a visit during Book Week.
