This term our Pūtaiao (science) focus is all about Gathering and Interpreting Data.

Scientists are like detectives in that they ask questions and look for clues to find answers.  This involves using observations and inference to explain a phenomenon of an investigation.  

At Level 1 of the curriculum in the science room, Year 1 and 2 have been observing earthworms and inferring why their bodies are the way they are and how they compare to our bodies.  At Level 2 of the curriculum in the science room we have been observing soil and using tools that scientists use to help measure different types of soil so they can infer why or why it might not be different depending on where it comes from.  At Level 3 in the science room the Year 5 and 6 will be modifying investigations of soil to identify variables that could change and test again to offer more than one explanation of possible differences. AND they have been exploring science in their classrooms as well!  The Year 1 and 2 team are looking at the properties of water, while year 3 and 4 are exploring computer science.  Meanwhile the year 5 and 6 team are investigating ecosystems.   

It is also my favourite time of the year with all the different kinds of fungi that abound in our environment at the moment. I loved showing them to some of our students on our first fungal foray during primary science week last week.  Kids are great at spotting fungi.  Here’s a scavenger type hunt for you to use if you would like next time you are out and about, with thanks to another fabulous resource: Kids Greening Taupō. 

How you can help at home:  

• ask ākonga (learner) to draw what they see rather than make a stylised drawing   

• encourage ākonga to observe with all of their senses (but not taste, if it is not safe to do so)

• Then ask - so what?  What do those observations mean?  What does that tell us? This also gives you the perfect opportunity to return serve to the ever present why? question and see what the (tamariki) children notice or find out.  

• Research and read to find out more - not just the internet, but books, experts and especially scientists, if you know any.

Our Scientist of the Week has been continuing and we are so grateful for the time and expertise we have been offered for our tamariki to learn from.  We have had visits from a political psychologist, a veterinarian, an environmental scientist, a paediatric nephrologist, a veterinary parasitologist & climate scientist, a passionate volunteer for the environment, a clinical researcher, a sour dough chemist and there is still more to come!  Get in touch if you can offer your services - even if your job isn’t a science role per se, I would love for the children to ‘see the science’ in other professions too.  Any digger drivers willing to share some work pics to describe the science of machines, forces and materials??? Or maybe a gardener that can describe the different types of plants or flowers in their garden for example.  All are welcome and I would be there to help you.  Contact vickim@titirangi.school.nz if you would like to participate in this programme.  

Stay curious!