The earthquake machine

In this lesson, the head of science at Mentone Girls' Grammar uses earthquakes as the topic to explore scientific concepts such as density and states of matter with a Year 6 class. Commencing the class with a demonstration of an earthquake machine, the teacher uses a range of resources and activities along with questioning to encourage students to explore the science of natural disasters. The students engage in small group and whole class investigations to develop a deeper understanding of the STEM concepts underpinning the lesson.

Located 20km south of central Melbourne, Mentone Girls' Grammar is a Foundation to Year 12 school founded in 1899. Science is a main focus at the school and students in Year 5 and 6 are taught STEM subjects by specialist teachers from the Senior School. In Year 5, students undertake a STEM year in which every topic connects to Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. As a result of the strong emphasis on Science, the school has high student uptake of Science electives at Year 12.