National Science Week
Image (from left): 1-Craig Laundy MP, Chloe Walker and Alyssa Buda. 2- Science Flicks event.
On Monday 15 August the Junior School celebrated National Science week with a morning tea where Craig Laundy MP, Federal Member for Reid, spoke with Junior School staff and students, Chloe Walker, Alyssa Buda, Deanne Kalis and Annabelle Adams about how Science and Technology could be more appropriately funded by the government. Staff explained the positive attributes of the team teaching model we have in the Junior School at PLC Sydney, where classroom teachers are joined by specialist teachers Mrs Annie Martin (Science and Technology) and Miss Belinda Martins (Digital Technology and Innovation. This is very effective as the specialist teachers are able to teach the students and mentor. Students went on to discuss with Mr Laundy their Science and Technology lessons and spoke confidently about their love of science experiments. They explained the need for persistence as experiments do not always go to plan and how careful analysis and redesign of investigations leads to greater learning.
Later in the day, students from Years 2 to 6 moved to the AKT for the screening of 19 scientific movies made by Junior School students, including the three Highly Commended entries from the National 2016 Eureka Sleek Geeks Primary Competition in a TropFest style show called Science Flicks. This was a wonderful showcase of learning enjoyed by all who attended. During the interval, Miss Hilary Scandrett led a highly entertaining game of Sphero Soccer, with Year 6 students.
Mrs McGouther, Head of Science, joined the Junior School to watch the movies and select three special awards. She was particularly impressed by the use of models and the controlled, fair testing that students included in their movies. Awards were presented to Amelia Lai (Year 3) for her movie, String Along with Me and to Caitlyn Walker and Amelie Haigh (Year 3) for their movie, Clean, Clean Chlorine. We are very grateful to Mrs McGrouther for giving up her afternoon for attending and sharing her insights.