Phase of Learning - Year 3 and 4 Independent and Resilient, Connected and Collaborative Communicators
The Year 3 and 4 teaching teams have created engaging programmes that aim to develop independent, resilient learners and connected, collaborative communicators. This semester the Year 3 students have focused on resilience and independence through Beach School. The Year 4 students have become more connected and collaborative communicators through their Animal Habitats and Historical Inquiries.
Year 3 Snapshot - Microplastic Inquiry Project
At Beach School the students displayed a particular interest in Microplastic. An expert from the CSIRO spoke to the students about the effects of Microplastics on our oceans. This became the starting point for the Microplastic Inquiry Project.
The students researched:
What is Microplastic? What effect do Mircoplastics have on our oceans? Do we have a plastic problem at our School?
A Primary School Rubbish audit was conducted, where we sorted all the food rubbish into recyclable, non-recyclable and food scraps. We counted 281 recyclable items, 766 non recyclables items and 25.3kgs of food scraps.
How much rubbish is in our shops?
For homework, the students were asked to go food shopping with their parents and count the plastic items in a given aisle. This information was collated, graphed and analysed. They were shocked by how much plastic is available in the shops.
What can our School and Community do to reduce plastic in our environment?
The Year 3 students are now discussing innovative ways to reduce the use of plastic in our School and own households. They cannot wait to display their research and Microplastic Inquiry Projects at our Learning Journey.
Year 4 Snapshot - Animal Habitats and Historical Inquiries
The Year 4 classrooms are bursting with colourful, engaging displays which reflect the deep learning students have gained through active inquiry. Students chose an animal habitat to research extensively and created labelled life cycles of animals in their chosen habitat. They extend their scientific research and reflection skills by producing intricate diagrams of different animals and plants. Students examine social and environmental sustainability and use a range of design skills and processes to create their own interpretation of a 3D habitat. Year 4 learners have been swept away on exciting adventures and tales of historical Australian Explorers who claimed their piece of ‘Terra Australis’ 300 years ago. The students analysed the conditions and challenges navigators faced in their heroic quest to discover new land and map their journeys, including those who became shipwrecked and succumbed to the perils of a sailor’s conquest.