Bacchus Marsh Primary School

learning scienceAt Bacchus Marsh Primary School, Science is a valued specialist area, ensuring all children (Prep to Grade 6) gain a grounding in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences and Physical Science. The children work at their ability levels to find scientific ways to answer their questions. They can work cooperatively in teams or individually to complete tasks and experiments to draw evidence –based conclusions about science related issues.

The Science centre has been established to model sustainable practices. The science classroom and surrounds have been sourced from recycled materials, such as the brick path made from recycled bricks from the old art room, recycled fencing and plants donated by parents and Ecolinc. The science room uses tank water which supplies both the classroom and the frog bog . The garden area has been established over several years with a succulent section, a bush tucker and fibre section, a frog bog area and a grassland section. These areas were established after research by the children and have been planted and maintained by the children. The Science garden has improved our biodiversity and is beginning to attract native birds, insects and lizards which can be studied, viewed and discussed by the children.

Bacchus Marsh Primary School is a Resource Smart School, which models and practises sustainability through our recycling program. The school community is involved in recycling paper and cardboard, soft plastic and mobile phones. We use food scraps for compost and worm food. At present we are working towards increasing our energy efficiency and staff and children are involved in developing and implementing whole school procedures towards a more energy efficient school.

The Science room has a mini- zoo, consisting of turtles and lizards. This gives the children first- hand knowledge of animals during biology studies and interested children the responsibility of feeding and caring for the animals. We also have a frog bog, which was developed by the children, where wetland plants have been established and a pond eco system created in an outdoor learning area.