Class 7 Chemistry Main Lesson 

Last week we began our Introduction to Chemistry Main Lesson, beginning with combustion. We did a number of experiments burning candles, sitting around a bonfire, and burning various natural items - kangaroo poo, flowers, honkey nuts, chalk, dry eucalyptus leaves, my hair, an orange, bread, soft leaves, tissues, and paper. 

We watched what happened carefully, in each case, and noted our observations, drawing illustrations to accompany our impressions.  Then we considered if it would be possible, or not, to return these burnt items to their original condition simply by applying heat, or removing heat (freezing), such as when we change water to steam or to ice through adjusting its temperature.  We discovered that for a chemical change to occur, the substance is transformed, and as a result cannot be reconstituted into its original state, such as milk which has curdled in the sun, for instance.

The students came up with fantastic theories to explain the speed with which substances caught fire or burnt entirely. Some suggested that moisture in the leaves made them burn less readily, and that dried eucalyptus leaves contained oil, so they burned quickly, like bacon in a hot frypan.  Some suggested that the surface area of a substance might play a part. Some identified access to air (oxygen) as being one of the essential ingredients of combustion.  We perceived with all our senses, noting the smell and sound as an item burned.  The orange peel sizzled; my hair crackled and bubbled.  Some substances smelt dreadful, with one child describing an odour as, “Awful, like vomit!”. 

We have a few more experiments to conduct with fire and, perhaps, marshmallows!  After which we will move on to the very exciting and colourful world of acids and bases.  There are so many very ordinary substances in our kitchens and cupboards that we can test to determine pH, which obligingly changes colour.  Students absolutely love doing this ‘Kitchen Chemistry.’  We will also hear of two inspiring early chemical scientists: Jane Marcet and Michael Faraday.  It intrigues young people to hear about the lives of people who discovered new and amazing things long ago, and hopefully inspires them to wonder what might yet be revealed in our world.  

Katie Southall 
Class 7 Teacher 

Class 7 & 8 Physical Education

At Parkerville Steiner College, we understand that Physical Education goes beyond just keeping young people active. It also cultivates essential skills such as teamwork, goal setting, and resilience while enjoying physical activity. Following on from our summer program of water sports, the students have been engaged in a range of activities both on-site and at various community venues.  

In Term 2 each class travelled to The Motion Academy in Bassendean where the Class 7 students participated in an introductory program of Parkour and the Class 8s built on the skills they learned in last year’s program. The highly experienced and very inspiring Parkour instructors scaled the foundational movement skills to meet the ability and confidence levels of the students, ensuring that the lessons were accessible but also challenging!  

Class 7 students began Term 3 with Cricket and associated modified games; they are now travelling to the Mundaring Arena indoor courts by bus each Friday to play fast paced games of Netball. Netball is a well-known community sport that not only enhances physical fitness but also promotes teamwork and decision-making skills. The aim of this sporting unit is to provide opportunities for the students to experience the various positions on the team, and to practice their passing, shooting, and defensive skills, while building self-confidence and resilience. 

Class 8 began this term with Ballroom Dancing lessons under the expert tuition of Adam from Mood swings Dance at the Parkerville Hall, culminating in their first Social with their peers from the Bibra Lake Campus (check out the previous edition of the Parky Pabulum for photos of this special event). Following these lessons, the students have been playing T-ball and Ultimate Frisbee, both are sports that offer opportunities to develop coordination, positivity, and strategic thinking. T-ball introduces students to the fundamentals of Baseball, focusing on batting, catching, and throwing skills. Ultimate Frisbee, on the other hand, combines elements of Football, Soccer, and Basketball, promoting teamwork and agility.