Students at Settlers Primary School are taught Science by a Specialist teacher in a purpose built Science Lab. Science has been delivered by the Science Specialist teacher since 2011, one of the longest running Primary Science Specialist programs in the local area.
Each term focusses on a different Science Understanding Strand from the Western Australian Science Curriculum, allowing students to explore and build a solid foundation of knowledge of the biological, chemical, physical, Earth and space sciences. Students learn how to select and integrate scientific knowledge and methods to explain phenomena, apply understandings to new situations and appreciate the dynamic nature of science knowledge.
The aim of the Science program at Settlers Primary School is for our students to develop an interest in Science. Science expands student curiosity, willingness to explore, ask questions and speculate on the changing world in which they live. The Science program provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of science concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, of science’s contribution to our culture and society, and its applications in our lives. The curriculum supports students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues and to participate, if they so wish, in science-related careers.
In addition to their weekly Science lessons, there are numerous opportunities for our students to participate in a range of extra Science activities throughout the year.
We celebrate National Science Week each year with a week of fun tabloid Science activities for every student from Kindergarten to Year 6. The students participate in a variety of hands-on and engaging Science activities in small groups, all with the help of our fantastic parent volunteers.
During Term 4 each year we hold our annual Bottle Rocket Competition and Stargazing evening on the school oval. This event has always been well attended by our school community, with hundreds turning out to launch homemade bottle rockets and observe the night sky through high powered telescopes provided by the Astronomy Society of WA.
In year 6, students have the opportunity to join Science Club. This is a voluntary club run during lunch times where students are able to extend their science knowledge and understanding by entering national Science competitions, running experiments and investigations and pursuing their own scientific interests, all with the support of the Science Specialist teacher and the resources of the Science Room. Being involved in Science Club, students are invited attend an overnight camp at Perth Zoo, a rewarding and enriching experience for all of the students and adults involved.
At the end of each semester, two students from each Science class are selected to attend a special reward excursion to an exciting location such as Scitech, AQWA or Penguin Island to acknowledge their excellent achievement in the Science Learning Area. This is a very successful incentive for students to strive for academic and behavioural excellence during their Science lessons.
Learning Science at Settlers Primary School is a valuable pursuit in its own right. Our students can experience the joy of scientific discovery and nurture their natural curiosity about the world around them, setting themselves up as lifelong critical and creative thinkers.