The Science program at Challis CPS is taught as a Specialist subject. Students receive an hour of Science learning each week based on the WA science curriculum and incorporates the Primary Connections framework. The 3 strands of the Science curriculum which are Science Understanding, Science Inquiry Skills and Science as a Human Endeavour are delivered to students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 through highly engaging, interactive and hands on activities. Science skills and concepts are taught explicitly and reinforced through practical investigations at every lesson. Incursions are organised to consolidate and reinforce learning.

2025

Science Week kicked off in week 4, and this year’s theme is “Decoding the Universe” — a fun and fascinating look at how science helps us make sense of the world (and universe!) around us. Here’s what we’ve got planned: In Week 5, Cecil Andrews Senior High School will be joining our Year 5s for a science activity during their lessons. In Week 6, Telethon is visiting the Year 4s on Friday 29 August for a special science session. We’re still waiting to hear back from Western Power about an incursion for the Year 6s — fingers crossed! And in our Junior classes, we have an exciting science program lined up for after swimming. It’s going to be a big couple of weeks full of fun, learning and discovery — we can’t wait!

Nature Walk and Pattern Discovery

To kick off Science week, the Year 3 students embarked on a nature walk around Challis. Their mission: to decode objects in the environment and identify hidden patterns. The six patterns observed were spirals, lines or stripes, rings, branching, spots and symmetry. With excellent   cooperation, the students successfully discovered all the patterns during their walk, demonstrating both keen observation and teamwork

GIRLS SCIENCE CLUB

The inaugural all-girls science club for Year Three students was launched in Term 2. This initiative was driven by the observation that previous science clubs had far fewer girls participating than boys. The club’s main goal is to inspire girls, nurture their interest in STEM subjects and encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics - fields where women are often underrepresented. A total of thirteen girls enrolled in the club. During the first session, the girls constructed hoop gliders. This hands-on activity required them to ask questions, make measurements, solve problems, communicate effectively and investigate the performance of their creations to see whose glider could fly the farthest. Excitement filled the room as everyone tested their gliders to see which one would fly the furthest, forging new friendships and sparking curiosity. A hoop glider is a simple paper aircraft that flies using the four forces of flight, similar to a paper airplane. Its curved surface generates lift, while its aerodynamic design minimizes drag. Gravity pulls the glider downward and the thrower's arm provides thrust