Squishy Circuits
House investigation
Stage 3
Students engage in practical investigation using various techniques and equipment to obtain data to allow them to decipher different types of energy sources, how energy is transformed, and expand on their comprehension of scientific concepts of energy sources and sustainability.
Discuss with us about selecting one activity listed below or all 3 activities for a full day program.
Activities (approximately 1 hour in duration):
- Squishy Circuits- Students will collaborate to build a working electrical circuit to light an LED bulb using Squishy Circuit kits. Students will be able to identify various circuit components and explain their function.
- Sustainable House Design- Students will investigate and collect data on solar panels output and direction, wind speed and direction, and temperature to design a simple sustainable house.
- Energy Transformations- Students use jumping cups, cotton reel cars, solar grasshoppers and the energy bike to investigate energy transformations.
For further information in curriculum links, program and excursion information see below or contact us.
Further Information
Location
Awabakal Environmental Education Centre teachers will visit your school.
A classroom or hall space with tables and chairs is required and an undercover outdoor space. Access to power points is required for the wind energy activity.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Geography Outcomes
Stage 3
A student:
- Explains how the properties of materials determine their use for a range of purposes ST3-7MW-T
- Explains how energy is transformed from one form to another ST3-8PW-ST
- Plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions ST3-1WS-S
Content
Inquiry Question: How can the state of materials be changed and manipulated?
Students:
· Investigate and compare the properties of solids. (eg) How can we create an electrical circuit using play dough?
Explore the difference between insulating and conductive materials.
Inquiry Question: What types of energy transformation can be observed?
Students:
· identify different types of energy transformations.
(eg) turning on a LED bulb.
Working Scientifically
Planning and conducting investigations.
Processing and analysing data.
Learning across the curriculum
Sustainability
Critical and creative thinking
Civics and citizenship
Incursion requirements
You will be required to provide:
- Class teachers must stay with their class at all times.
- A classroom or hall space with tables and chairs is required and an undercover outdoor space. Access to power points is required for the wind energy activity.
Students should wear a hat, sunscreen, comfortable, covered walking shoes plus any special requirements of the group. (Wet weather gear when necessary).
Sample timetable
Each activity for the incursion is approximately 1 hour in duration.
This program can be delivered to multiple classes in one day.
The schedule for the day can be modified to suit your school.
Some examples of a typical schedule is as follows:
Example 1
9.15- Introduction
9.30- Activity 1
10.30- Activity 2
11.30- Lunch/ Recess
12.00- Activity 3
1.00- Conclusion
1.15- Pack up
Example 2
9.15am - Class 1
10.15am - Class 2
Break
12.00pm - Class 3
1.00pm - Class 4
Supervision
AEEC is a NSW Department of Education school and staff are trained DoE teachers specialising in Environmental Education.
AEEC teachers rely on the participation of visiting teachers to meet recommended supervision levels. Visiting teachers are ultimately responsible for behaviour of students, students with existing medical conditions or special needs.
Medical or special needs
Please notify Awabakal Environmental Education Centre of any medical conditions or special needs that may need to be taken into consideration when planning or delivering the program. Upon booking an excursion, a form will be emailed to complete to detail any medical or special needs.
Parent / carer helpers
As our staff are Department of Education teachers we don’t require parent helpers on the day. If your school decides to bring parents, we kindly ask that you keep the number to a minimum. For safety reasons and the nature of our sites, parents will not be able to participate in activities.
Extreme or wet weather
Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, high winds and extreme bush fire danger may result in the excursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. If you have any concerns regarding the weather prior to the excursion, contact Awabakal Environmental Education Centre on 4955 8673 or email awabakal-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
Cancellations
Cancellations less than three school weeks notice may incur an administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather or fire danger.
Bookings
For bookings click here.