STEM Week: Hands-On Discovery

DSKI came alive with curiosity and excitement as students celebrated STEM Week in the STEM Room through a series of engaging, hands-on experiments. The week provided young learners with meaningful opportunities to explore science concepts while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

One of the highlights was the Static Electricity experiment, where students discovered how objects can attract or repel without touching. 

The Grade 2 students used different fabrics to create static energy that could move an empty soda can across the table. Their excitement grew even more when they discovered that a charged balloon could make their hair stand up, turning learning into a moment of laughter and wonder.

 

The Quicksand experiment was another favorite, allowing students to investigate how solids and liquids can act together in unusual ways. They eagerly tested on the dinosaurs how objects sink or stay afloat, deepening their understanding through exploration.

In the Rainbow Water activity, students explored color mixing and density, creating vibrant layers that sparked discussions about how liquids behave.

A particularly exciting challenge was designing the strongest boat that could hold the most marbles. Students worked collaboratively, testing and improving their designs while applying creativity and engineering skills.

STEM Week at DSKI was a wonderful celebration of inquiry, innovation, and discovery. It encouraged students to ask questions, take risks, and learn through experience—building a strong foundation for future scientific thinking.

STEM Week at DSKI was truly a celebration of exploration, discovery, and joyful learning.

 

Mission to Space

This week, the Grade 2 students took part in an exciting Mission to Space simulation as part of our unit of inquiry about the solar system. The young astronauts prepared for their journey by bringing a space bag filled with items they believed would help them survive in space. 

Students carefully thought about what astronauts might need, such as food, water, oxygen, and tools, showing creativity and problem-solving skills.

Before beginning their journey, the young astronauts attended an important mission briefing where they learned about safety procedures and their role in the space mission. 

To prepare for entering the spaceship, students passed through a special “space tunnel” where they practiced procedures to avoid contamination, just like real astronauts do before going into space.

Once the mission began, the classroom transformed into a space station as students imagined traveling through the solar system. 

They fastened their seat-belts, geared up and took off!! 

During their journey, they “visited” different planets and explored various celestial bodies such as the Moon, stars, comets, and the Sun. 

 

At each stop, students shared facts, asked questions, and recorded interesting discoveries about what makes each object in space special.

Through this simulation, students worked collaboratively, discussed their ideas, and deepened their understanding of how the solar system works. 

The activity sparked curiosity and excitement as students imagined themselves as space explorers. This hands-on experience encouraged them to ask questions, investigate new ideas, and develop a greater appreciation for our amazing planet Earth.

They also began to think more carefully about why Earth is a unique planet. Students discovered that Earth has the right conditions for life, including air, water, and the right temperature.

Moving on to the next finding out stage, through a series of simple experiments and investigations, students will begin to understand how different conditions on Earth support life. Next week they will explore the importance of water, air, sunlight, and the right temperature that makes it possible for plants, animals, and people to live on our planet. 

However, students will also discover that life on Earth is complex. Many different systems work together to create the environment that living things depend on. These experiences help students appreciate the unique conditions of our planet and understand that living things benefit from the special privileges provided by the place we call home—Earth.

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Book Talks

 

Talking with a book on hand  is a simple yet powerful activity that encourages students to become curious and engaged readers. In this activity, students discuss a book, share their thoughts, and ask questions based on the book they read. Instead of just reading quietly, students actively talk, listen, and learn from one another.

Working with a partner allows students to explore ideas more deeply. They might wonder about a word, the ideas, the information or ask questions about parts they do not fully understand. These conversations naturally spark curiosity, as students hear different perspectives and discover new ideas through discussion.

Book talk also builds confidence. Some students may feel shy about speaking in front of the whole class, but sharing with a partner creates a comfortable space where they feel safe to express their thoughts. As they exchange ideas, students learn to respect each other’s opinions and practice active listening.

Most importantly, this activity shows students that learning can happen together. When they ask questions and think collaboratively, they begin to see reading as an exciting journey of discovery. 

Through partner book talks, students not only strengthen their comprehension skills but also develop a love for asking questions, exploring ideas, and learning from one another.

As students inquire, they also take down important facts and information about the sun, moon, planets, and other celestial bodies. Writing these ideas helps them organize their thinking and record their learning. Students become young researchers as they identify interesting details, new vocabulary, and surprising discoveries from their reading.

The information they gather does not stop with the discussion. Their recorded facts and ideas are added to our unit wall, where the class displays key learning about the universe. This wall becomes a living space for knowledge that students can revisit throughout the unit. Each time we return to it, students reflect on what they already know and connect it to new learning.