Ooey Gooey Ooblek

This term in Year 3, students have been learning about solids, liquids and gases and how adding and removing heat can change their state. They have been doing a range of hands-on experiments and investigations, including with ice cubes, water, and eggs.

This week, they explored the unusual substance of ooblek. Oobleck is made from corn flour and water and is a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it has properties of both liquids and solids.

Students mixed their own ooblek and used their hands to explore how it moves and changes when they added or removed pressure, when they squashed it, rolled it and when they let it drip from their fingers. They observed how when you slowly dip your hand into it, it acts like a liquid, but if you squeeze the oobleck or punch it, it feels solid.

We then discussed the science behind this fun phenomenon – when you add pressure (which is a form of heat), the size, shape, and makeup of the cornstarch grains causes the corn flour to “lock-up” and hold its shape (like a solid) when pressure is applied to it. However, as soon as the pressure is removed, it returns to acting like a liquid.

Want to try making ooblek at home? All you need is corn flour and water. Start with 1 ½ cups of corn flour and1 cup of. Experiment adding more of both as you mix it with your hands. Happy oobleking!

Creative Writing Group

During Semester 1 a talented group of writers from Yr 5 worked with Mrs Vice once a week to write their own picture book for the Junior Primary students. Writing a picture book sounds easy but they soon learnt that it was not! They worked very hard to write many drafts to make sure their books had an idea that appealed to the young reader, used repetition and rhyme, had examples of onomatopoeia, similes, metaphors, and dialogue!

They then spent a considerable amount of their Term 2 holidays drawing and colouring in their pictures. When their books were complete, Mrs Vice uploaded their books onto a book platform and this week they arrived at school. Last Friday the talented young authors read their books to some of the Junior Primary students. A permanent copy of these beautiful books will be in the Discovery Centre for all children to read soon. We encourage parents to come and have a look also. Toby and Japjot who were unfortunately away on this day did an amazing job also. Well done to all students on your amazing efforts, we are very proud of you.

Spring Has Sprung

I don’t know how you feel, but spring is my favourite time of year. The weather is warmer, the flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and it feels good to be alive. As we welcomed spring this week, I have noticed so many more beautiful flowers blooming around the community. That is what made an appearance at PPN this week in our nature play space.

We had a burst of colour with a small flower shop set up to encourage flower shop roll play. Our students also got to play with natural, scented playdough, and a sensory experience for everyone who wanted to make flower concoctions using water, flowers and natural items. The students poured, mixed, and played on a bright, sunny, spring day. How did you feel the beautiful change of spring this week?