Can We Reach the Stars?
Our Year 2 students have been looking beyond our world this semester as they embark on an exciting Project-Based Learning adventure into space.
Through hands-on investigations, scientific experiments, creative challenges and collaborative inquiry, students are exploring one very big question: “Can we reach the stars?”
Throughout the unit, students are investigating the wonders of our solar system. They are identifying the sun, moon, stars and planets and observing patterns in the sky. By tracking these patterns over time, students are beginning to make predictions about natural phenomena and develop a deeper understanding of the incredible systems at work above us. Every new discovery leads to another question as students consider just how much there is still to learn about space.
Students are also exploring gravity and how it affects objects on Earth and in space. Through practical investigations and experiments, they are discovering why objects fall towards Earth and considering how humans have designed inventions to overcome gravity. From early flying machines to aeroplanes and rockets, students are learning how curiosity, persistence, science and technology have transformed our ability to explore beyond our planet.
One of the highlights of the unit was a visit to the planetarium, where students watched an incredible space show and were transported into outer space without even leaving their seats! Surrounded by stars, planets and galaxies, students experienced the wonder and scale of our universe in an immersive way. The experience brought their classroom learning to life and sparked even more questions about what lies beyond Earth.
Later this semester, students will put their learning into action through an exciting Design Thinking challenge. Working collaboratively, they will ask questions, generate ideas and create prototypes inspired by their learning about space, forces and flight. Like scientists and engineers, they will test their ideas, learn from what does not work and make improvements before showcasing their creations.
Our students loved sharing their learning:
I like learning about space because there are so many things to discover. I wonder if people will be able to travel even further into space one day.
— Harjas
We have been learning about gravity and how it pulls things towards Earth. Rockets need lots of force to get into space.
— Josh
My favourite part is doing experiments. We get to test our ideas and if something doesn’t work, we can try something different.
— Jack
I like learning about the sun, moon and stars. We can look for patterns in the sky and predict what might happen next.
— Zanė
We are learning about inventions that helped people fly and get into space. People had to keep trying different ideas to make things work.
— Toby
I loved going to the planetarium because it felt like we were actually travelling through outer space! We got to see the stars and planets all around us without even leaving our seats.
— Anna
It has been wonderful watching our Year 2 students approach these enormous questions with curiosity and imagination. As they look towards the sky, they are discovering the science behind our universe while developing a sense of wonder and appreciation for the extraordinary world and creation around us.
Perhaps reaching the stars is not only about how far we can travel. It is also about encouraging our children to ask big questions, wonder deeply, think boldly and imagine what might be possible.
Bianca Ravi
Learning Leader