Mathematics Science and Language
This term the Year 6 and 7 have started the term working hard to develop some basic understanding of the Order of Operation in Mathematics.
"Operations" mean things like add, subtract, multiply, divide, squaring, etc. If it isn't a number it is probably an operation.
But, when you see something like...
7 + (6 × 52 + 3)
... what part should you calculate first?
Start at the left and go to the right?
Or go from right to left?
This is critical that students in Year 6 and 7 develop a good understanding of what needs to be done first in order to be correct and to achieve a stepping stone to algebra. Students also for the first time have worked on mathematical problems involving the unknown variable. Most our Year 6 – 7 students grasped the concept well and successfully completed this topic already.
For the next few weeks students are going to work on collecting and analysing data. They will learn how to create the resultant graphs and learn how to interpret various graphs.
Year 8-10
Statistics are an important part of our life. Most informed decisions are made based on the informed decision associated with statistics. 2021 is a Census year and our students will learn this term how to interpret and use the information provided by the ABS. The Year 8-10s will work on the development of a statistical investigation based on their personal interest. They are going to formulate a statistical question and collect data that is relevant to their investigation. They are then also going to calculate the relevant statistical information needed to answer the statistical question. They will then present the data in the various forms such as tables, graphs and frequency tables.
The topics of the investigations in the Year 8-10 vary. Our students have decided on questions related to the variety of topics linked to their statistical investigations including the consequences of WWII, reasons for mental health issues, Olympic records in swimming, Tourism and the Flinders Ranges and Fatalities on Australian Roads. I am looking forward to the completed statistical investigation reports.
Science Year 6-10
In Term 3 students have started to work on the Rock Cycle and Tectonic Plates, Earth’s Crust, and the 3 types of rocks . Although all students work on the one topic, each year level needs to develop a variety of different examples of scientific knowledge. After the Rock Cycle investigation students will then turn to learning how the different geological changes like Volcanic eruptions can influence the Earth’s landscape.
Science students in Year 6 will learn how changes in the surface of the Earth can operate over time frames from sudden to slow. The will also learn that sudden geological changes like earthquakes and volcanoes, and extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, can cause dramatic changes to the Earth’s surface.
The distinction between renewable and non-renewable resources depends on the time frame considered. In looking at this in Year 7, students will group the Earth’s resources as renewable or non-renewable. For example, students will compare fossil fuels which take millions of years to form with wood that grows in decades and biofuel that grows in months. They will also learn about the water cycle and how and why water is as an important resource.
The Year 8s will investigate how different kinds of rocks are formed when different combinations of heat and kinetic energy act on materials in the Earth’s crust. The students will develop an understanding of the rock cycle and consider the timescale of the processes and formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and how rocks are made up of minerals.
The theory of plate tectonics explains global patterns of geological activity and continental movement. Our Year 9 students will use the theory of plate tectonics to explain how major continental plate movements can be use to predict areas prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. They will also identify global patterns of geological activity including the role of heat energy and convection currents in the movement of tectonic plates, relating the extreme age and stability of a large part of the Australian continent to its plate tectonic history.
Systems on the surface of the Earth result from interactions in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere. Our Year 10 students will look at the connections between the different systems that make up the surface of the Earth. This will include how cycles of carbon and other materials involve interactions in the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Students learn the important role of carbon in the greenhouse effect and its effects on biodiversity.
Polish
Year F-2
Numbers are very important to know in any language. There are many language rules in Polish when it comes to numbers, counting and related topics. In Term 3 students in F-2 are going to learn how to count and read numbers in Polish. They will also learn about Polish culture and the Polish legends and stories.
Year 3-5 and 7-8
During Term 3 students are going to learn formal and informal greetings in Polish. Students will also continue to explore the Polish culture and learn more about things like the traditional dresses, cultural behaviour and importance of food to the Polish cultural identity.