Fun Fridays in the Science Lab

We have had a busy and fun-filled science lab over the past two weeks. Science lab is run by the Year 5 and 6 science leaders and is open to all Year 1- 4 pupils on Fridays at 1pm. Here are photos of the children exploring magnets and sound.

Monitoring of Native Moths

Over the past two weeks the Year 6 Science and Enviro Leaders have been helping out with research into native beneficial moths.

Moths are a key part of the wider ecosystem and are important pollinators. Around 2000 native moths have been identified in New Zealand and 86% of these are endemic. That means they live no where else in the world but here.
The MothNet project that Wanaka Primary School pupils have been involved in has helped to collect specimens for scientists to identify. Comparing moth numbers and types from different locations helps scientists to keep a check on moth populations and detect any changes over time or between places.
Here at school the pupils set up Heath Moth traps with light sensors in the native garden area behind Pod 4 and by the Dental Clinic. The moths were collected over 2 consecutive days and the pupils examined and counted them. These results were compared to moths collected at Kidds Bush over the same period of time. The pupils noticed there was a much higher number and wider variety of moths collected from the native bush site (Kidds Bush) compared to the urban environment (at school). We think this may be due to the fact that native bush is a safer habitat for the moths and that there is less light pollution. The pupils also placed tracking tunnels with ink pads next to each moth trap. This was to identify which pests may be around that may predate on moths. At the school sites we identified mouse and hedgehog tracks. At Kidds Bush we identified mouse tracks and possibly possum tracks.

To learn more about this project visit the MothNet Facebook site MothNet or the MothNet webpage Land Care Research.

Thanks so much to Jack Wyeth (Pod 7) and Bryne Bloxham (Pod 6) for their leadership in this project and to Rebecca Picard (Bryne's mum) for helping with the monitoring. Thanks also to Phil Pendlebury (Evie's dad) who tested out all the electrical equipment and provided technical support.

Here are some photos of the children in action:

Collecting moths from the native garden site.

The site by the Dental Clinic

Counting and sorting moths

Collecting moths from Kidds Bush

Checking the tracking tunnels

The Heath Moth trap

Some of the moths collected from Kidds Bush.

Here is what Bryne wrote about being involved with MothNet:

Fun at the Science Lab

This week's theme was water. The children had lots of fun with floating and sinking activities. They also observed what happens when you mix different liquids together - experimenting with cooking oil, food colouring, vinegar, salt and golden syrup. The Year 5 and 6 science leaders did a great job setting things up, explaining, guiding and questioning. All the children who came along to try out the activities said it was lots of fun. We are hoping they come again next week and spread the word to encourage more children to visit the Science Lab.

Science at Wanaka Primary 2017

We are looking forward to another year of great science at Wanaka Primary. The staff science team consists of Sharon (Pod 1), Markus (Pod 7) and Karina (Pod 6). The following teachers have also put their hands up to lead science in their Pod: Nic (Pod 5), Moira (Pod 4), Jo (Pod 3) and Rebecca (Pod 2). 
Thirty-two children from Year 5 and 6 have signed up to become Science Leaders. This term they are helping Sharon to run a Science Lab in Pod 1. This is aimed at encouraging younger children (Years 1-4) to have a go at some fun, hands-on activities. Watch this space for photos of the young scientists in action.

Year 5 and 6 Science Expo 2016

Year 5 and 6 - the Central Otago Science Expo is coming up in Term 4! Now is the time to start thinking about the experiment that you would like to teach to other students.

Remember you must focus on the questions you will ask your students and think about how you can demonstrate the Nature of Science and the science capabilities

- Gathering Data

- Using Evidence

-  Critiquing Evidence

- Interpret Representations

- Engage with science 

(this one should be easy - just take part in the Expo and discuss the experiments with everyone involved)

If you want to take part see Jennie L and come to our first meeting on Wednesday 24th in Pod 7. You must be able to come along to all lunchtime meetings on Wednesdays (Thursdays when EOTC is finished).

Have a look at the photos from last years Expo to get some inspiration!

Wanaka Primary Science Week 2016

What an awesome science week we had! So many fantastic activities and science going on.

On Wednesday we started with our awesome scientists, Duncan, Gavin and Arlene, visiting to tell us all about what they do as scientists and to answer all of our questions.

 

Wednesday night saw 140 parents and students arriving at school for our first family fun science night! The teams took on the Nail Balancing Challenge, the Fork and Toothpick Balancing Challenge and created their own NASA balloon with payload!

Thank you to all who joined us - it was a fantastic evening! If you missed out, keep an eye out for our Halloween science night in Term 4 :)

On Thursday school was taken over by a crowd of mad scientists! The students had a fun morning rotating around a variety of different experiments, trying out their science skills.

 Thank you to the awesome science team of Casey, Markus and Sharon for all their hard work organising science week and to all the awesome WPS teachers for the fantastic science experiences they provided for their students.