Science
The introduction of a science specialist program has been made possible due to a substantial grant Livingstone Primary School received at the end of 2013. This was the result of our successful application for a program, conducted by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, with the main goal of improving Victorian students’ results in Science and Mathematics.
All students from Foundation to Year 6 participate in fortnightly science lessons - which run for 90 minutes. The Foundation – Year 4 children receive a science journal, in which they complete their science work, and the Year 5 and 6 students will complete work on their iPads. Lab coats are available in the science room for students to use when conducting experiments or making investigations. The lessons are held in our school’s lab and each year level will have a termly focus in the following areas:
The Primary Connections science resource is the main curriculum model used for all science lessons. These units cover a range of concepts and focus heavily on the students conducting their own investigations and making observations. The Primary Connections resource has a strong literacy link with science and there are many other cross-curriculum opportunities throughout the units.
Individual science lessons are structured around the 5E's model. This model has 5 phases and outlines the process used when inquiring and investigating. It is particularly important when identifying the prior knowledge of students and building upon this knowledge.
Collaboration between students is greatly encouraged during all science lessons. The students work in groups of two for junior classes (F-2) and groups of three for senior classes (3-6). The students have specific roles during experiments and investigations as described below:
All students from Foundation to Year 6 participate in fortnightly science lessons - which run for 90 minutes. The Foundation – Year 4 children receive a science journal, in which they complete their science work, and the Year 5 and 6 students will complete work on their iPads. Lab coats are available in the science room for students to use when conducting experiments or making investigations. The lessons are held in our school’s lab and each year level will have a termly focus in the following areas:
- Biological sciences
- Chemical sciences
- Physical sciences
- Earth and space sciences (rotational)
The Primary Connections science resource is the main curriculum model used for all science lessons. These units cover a range of concepts and focus heavily on the students conducting their own investigations and making observations. The Primary Connections resource has a strong literacy link with science and there are many other cross-curriculum opportunities throughout the units.
Individual science lessons are structured around the 5E's model. This model has 5 phases and outlines the process used when inquiring and investigating. It is particularly important when identifying the prior knowledge of students and building upon this knowledge.
- Engage phase: captures interest and elicits prior knowledge of students (without correcting misconceptions)
- Explore phase: provides students with hands-on experience of phenomenon
- Explain phase: students develop scientific explanations for observations and represent developing conceptual understanding
- Elaborate phase: extends students’ understanding to a new context or make connections to additional concepts through a student planned investigation
- Evaluate phase: students re-represent their understanding and reflect on their learning journey
Collaboration between students is greatly encouraged during all science lessons. The students work in groups of two for junior classes (F-2) and groups of three for senior classes (3-6). The students have specific roles during experiments and investigations as described below:
- Manager - collects and returns all materials the team needs
- Director - ensures the team understands their investigation
- Speaker - asks the teacher and other team speakers for assistance
