Mysteries to solve. Reactions to create. Rats to dissect?! Science Week gave our Primary students plenty to investigate.
Each year, Graceview’s Science Week gives our Primary students the chance to step beyond their regular year-level science learning and into hands-on experiences designed to make them wonder, question, test and discover.
Using specialist equipment in our Secondary science lab, hands-on experiments and mentoring from Secondary students, Science Week extends classroom learning in ways that are exciting and memorable.
Our very excited students engaged with a different science focus at each year level: Prep explored surface tension, Year 1 investigated density, Year 2 became forensic scientists, Year 3 experimented with light, Year 4 explored solids, liquids and gases, Year 5 tackled electricity and magnetism, and Year 6 took on one of the week’s most unforgettable experiences: rat dissection.
“We got a paperclip and tried to get the paperclip floating on paper on water. It was very tricky, but fun.” - Matteo, Prep
“It was really fun. We had to find the mascots because they got stolen! We used the pen that was at the crime scene, fingerprints and the flame. My high school helper was Molly. She helped us find the fingerprint and how to use the science safely.” - Gus, Year 2
“Science Week is the GOAT! Probably my favourite was the light one because there were mirrors and stuff. It was really cool how you could bounce the light off.” - Beau, Year 3
Science Week adds another layer that we love at Graceview: older students stepping up to lead and encourage younger students. A team of our Secondary students served as experiment hosts and mentors, helping with activities, sharing their knowledge and encouraging younger students to have a go.
“The high schoolers were really good. They were kind, smart, nice.” - Jarvis, Year 3
For our Secondary students, it meant putting their own knowledge into practice through leadership, communication and service.
“I really liked being part of the Science Week classes. I liked helping the younger students and seeing them being so happy. They were really excited about the science experiments, and I liked helping show them what to do. Being at a smaller school, I really like connecting with younger students and being a role model for them. I actually know their names, and I think it helps as you're growing up to have older students you can connect with.” - Emma, Year 10
Seeing older students lead and encourage them is already inspiring our younger students. After exploring floating and sinking with the help of a Secondary student, Year 1 student Lacey was asked whether she would like to become a Science Week helper herself when she reaches high school.
“Yeah! I really would love it. I really want to do Science Week again.” - Lacey
These experiences are about more than one exciting week. At Graceview, we create extra opportunities for students to discover what fascinates them, what they are good at and what they might want to explore further.
In guiding young people to discover a sense of purpose and choose a career path, you never quite know what will spark a life dream. A curiosity discovered in Primary school can grow into a passion, a future pathway or a way of using their skills and knowledge to help make the world a better place.