Bridget Axup, Jemima Gray, Alie Belan

It has been an exciting few weeks in the STEM classroom. Students have been hypothesising, conducting experiments, considering their findings and discussing what they have learned as a group.

Students from Year Two and Year Five have provided a snapshot about some of the things we have been working on in class.

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Year 5 – Annika Gill

Annika Gill, Liana Lam, Coco Lutz

“This term, in STEM, we have been learning about the evolution of animals and the adaptations that help them survive, particularly in the desert. Last week we conducted an experiment to determine whether a smaller or larger surface area would be better to cool the ears of an animal living in the desert. We poured boiling water into a plate and a cup. We learned that the cup of water, having the smaller surface area, cooled down slower, and the water on the plate, having the larger surface area, cooled down quicker. To determine these results, every minute we plunged a thermometer into the water. We then recorded the results onto a chart. We discovered, animals with bigger ears, such as the bilby, could cool down quicker in hot environments than animals with small ears. Some other adaptations such as camouflage, being able to run long distances and adjusting to having little water also prove vital to desert animals’ survival.”

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Year 5 – Ellie Rodski

Isabella Jamieson, Amelia Hyams, Ellie Rodski

“In STEM we have been learning about adaptations that animals have evolved to survive in the desert. We did an experiment where we tested the time it took a plate and a mug filled with hot water to cool down. The reason behind this experiment was to find out if big thin or small ears could help cool an animal down. The water in a plate cooled down faster as it has a larger surface area. This confirmed that big thin ears with a large surface area, could possibly cool animals down. Some examples of adaptations assisting desert animals include long legs, camouflaged skin or fur, sharp teeth and the ability to live on without water and food for a long time.”

Year 5 – Isabella Jamieson

“This past month in STEM we have been learning about adaptations and how animals have evolved. Adaptations help animals to survive in the desert, savannah, jungle, and many other places in the world. A good example of an animal that has adapted to its environment is the kangaroo. Kangaroos have very strong legs to cover long distances to search for food and water, and to protect themselves from predators. We did an experiment with hot water in a plate and a cup to see which cooled faster. The plate had a larger surface area and cooled much faster. Animals with large flat ears use this science to help cool themselves down in hot conditions.”

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Grace Chatfield, Ella Pattison, Nina Steedman

Year 2 – Grace Chatfield

“In Year Two STEM we are learning about life cycles. We have mealworms and we are looking after them and watching them grow. Mealworms don’t need water as they get their water from the food they eat. We have fed them carrots and oats. We are waiting to see what the mealworms will turn into. I think they might turn into beetles.”

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Year 2 – Ella Pattison

Alice MacKenzie, Ella Pattison

“This year we have been learning about life cycles. We have been waiting for the mealworms to grow old. We have fed them oats, carrots and sultanas. Some of the mealworms have shed their skin and might be heading to their next stage. We are thinking they will turn into beetles.”

Brielle Lee

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Out of School Hours Care

St Catherine’s School offers an Out of School Hours Care program to all ELC and Junior School families. The program is implemented by our provider ‘After the Bell’, and operates within the ELC building. Parents are reminded that if you need to use the Before School Care or After School Care service, registrations need to be made in advance with ‘After the Bell’. Please allow up to five business days for your registration to be processed before your child can begin attending the program. Registration is free. All families are encouraged to register so that you can use this service in the event that you are unable to pick up your child.

Before School Care – 7.00am to 8.45am

After School Care – 3.00pm to 6.00pm

Registrations can be completed via the ‘After the Bell’ website.

Please phone 9758 6744 for all enquiries.