Science Lab News

What is Earth and Space Science?

Earth and space science (or ESS), is about Earth and its place within the solar system and universe. It includes the study of the Earth, including its land, oceans, atmosphere, and all the life that lives there from humans to animals to plants. It includes the water cycle, the carbon cycle, the rock cycle, and anything that gradually affects the Earth over time. The 'space' parts talks about the Earth's position in the solar system, and it also explores the solar system and universe as a whole. Understanding the wider universe helps us get a sense for Earth's place.

Throughout Term 3, JPS students have stepped into Earth and Space science by engaging in a variety of experiments. Pre-Primary students have become meteorologists and have been busy study the weather patterns, the symbols used to describe the weather and how weather affects the types of clothing and activities that we do. In Year One, students have been exploring, predicting and observing changes to the sky and land over several sessions in the lab. In Year Two, students have been plunging into resources with an in-depth study of the water and rock cycle.

The Year Three students have been astronomers studying day and night, as well as the role of the sun and moon. Geology has been the focus of Year 4 with many field experiments being conducted to identify soil and rock types, erosion and weathering. Year 5 students are on an astronomical journey exploring the 4 rocky planets and 4 gas giants within the solar system. Lastly, the Year 6’s have been erupting with excitement as they have built the inner earth and tectonic plates to be able to identify 3 different types of plate boundaries and the natural disasters that are caused as a result of this.

BASF Kids Lab Excursion

On Thursday 29th August 2019, 30 students from Joondalup Primary School and 10 students from Joondalup Educational Support Centre were invited to attend a program at Curtin University. The program was focused on providing students with an opportunity to step into a chemical laboratory and conduct a variety of experiments that are used as a basis in real life situations.

Students were provided with the opportunity to observe a reversible chemical reaction using a magical blue substance and discussion focused on the importance of using the senses when making accurate observations. Then they explored the properties of a variety of super absorbent polymers to find out which one would make the best absorbent nappy.

JPS and JESC students then put on their laboratory coats and safety glasses and assumed the role of a chemical scientist in the Curtin University Laboratory. In the laboratory, they conducted, hypothesised and observed the results from a heat changing worm experiment, they conducted, observed and summarised the results of using different primary and secondary colours in a chromatography experiment and they were given the opportunity to create their own toothpaste and then compare the reactive ingredients between their own natural toothpaste and a Macleans brand.

The BASF excursion was an opportunity for our JPS and JESC scientists to observe and experience science in a real life setting. It was an exceptional educational excursion and even more inspiring to witness the scientific understanding and engagement of those that attended.

Science Enrichment Program

Joondalup Primary School offers an after school science program that aims to inspire young people to become science leaders. The program is designed to cultivate and pass on a sense of wonderment and scientific curiosity by engaging students in a variety of hands on investigations that explore all the fields of science as taught in the Australian Curriculum.

In addition to the volcanic, ice-cream, bread making and slime experiments that the students have been conducting, they will also be involved in an excursion to BASF Kids Lab at Curtin University, a day exploring the scientific wonders at Scitech and an excursion to Belridge Secondary College Science Laboratory.

Congratulations to the following Year Four students who have been chosen for the program in Term Three; Joanne, Stephanie, Cooper, Aston, Oriana, Esther, Brianna, Indy, Keira, Caleb and Andy.

Nerelle Phillips

Science Teacher