Term 3- Discovering the Science of Change!
This term in STEAM at BHPS, students across our school will explore the fascinating world of Chemical Sciences. Through hands-on investigations, experiments and creative design challenges, students are developing their scientific thinking while discovering how the STEAM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) can help us to explain the world around us.
Our Prep students are investigating the properties of different materials, exploring how they look, feel and behave through a range of engaging hands-on activities. They have already decided that Cinderella’s glass slippers are a poor choice of materials for shoes and have drawn new, more comfortable designs. They will finish the unit by designing and creating a special hat to demonstrate what they have learned about different material properties.
Grade 1 and 2 students are exploring mixtures by investigating who makes them, why we use them in everyday life, how they can be changed and whether they can be separated again.
Grade 3 and 4 students are discovering the science of heating and melting, conducting experiments to explore how heat is created, how it moves and how it affects everyday materials.
Meanwhile, our Grade 5 and 6 students are investigating the states of matter, physical and chemical changes, and chemical reactions. They will also begin developing important secondary school science skills by conducting an experiment of their choice and presenting their findings in a formal lab report.
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK 2026
We will also be celebrating National Science Week 2026 during Weeks 5 and 6 of term (10th – 21st August), with this year’s theme, “Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All.” To celebrate, every class will take part in a special hands-on STEAM activity that combines the theme with Chemical Sciences, melting, creativity and even a little space science! There may even be a delicious scientific challenge involved… I’ll share more details with students soon!
As part of our Science Week celebrations, our Grade 5 and 6 students will participate in a free DNA extraction incursion on Friday 21st August, 2026, generously supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific, where they will extract DNA from strawberries and experience real-world biotechnology in action.
As part of our Science Week 2026 celebrations, families will also have the opportunity to support our STEAM program through an online Science Week Pop-Up Science Stall through Science Supply Australia (SSA) in Mitcham who stock fun and educational Science related kits, toys and gift ideas. I have had a long-standing association with SSA who will generously return 10% of all sales back to BHPS as fundraising for our STEAM program to provide additional resources and equipment for classes.
The online shop will be open from the 10th – 23rd August, 2026 and delivery of purchases will be made to BHPS during the school week ending the 28th August, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to daniela@ssapl.com.au
Some examples of the items on offer will be included at the end of our newsletter.
Helen Clark – STEAM Specialist