This year we have had two visits from the C S I R O. In the first visit we looked at alternative energy sources. (Solar and wind power.) In the second visit we used LEGO to construct simple structures and machines using gears, levers, wheels and axles.

AIM (What are we trying to find out?) Can a lot of small forces be the same as one big force?

EQUIPMENT (What things do we need?) A book and four straws.

 PROCEDURE (What do we have to do?) We have to try and lift a book with two straws and then with three and four straws.

STATE YOUR HYPOTHESIS We think that we won’t be able to lift the book with two straws   but may be able to lift it with three straws. We should be able to lift a book with four straws.

VARIABLES (Which variables will you need to keep the same to make it a fair test?) Variables to be controlled are the weight and size of the book. The straws should all be the same width and length.

RESULTS ( Carry out the experiment and record your results to test you hypothesis.) We couldn’t lift the book with two straws. Some children were able to lift a book with three straws but not for very long. Everyone was able to lift a book with four straws. The results supported our hypothesis. The results were not the same with some groups because some books were heavy and some were light. Some children may have used their fingers to lift the book. With stronger straws we may have been able to lift the book with two straws. A lot of small forces can be the same as one big force.  

                                VENUS

Written by Alicia, Norma and Andrea.

The Romans named their planets after their most important gods. Venus is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

Venus is 108 208 930 kilometres from the Sun.

It is sometimes called Earth’s twin because Venus and Earth are almost the same size.

Venus is made up of a central iron core and a rocky mantle. 

Its atmosphere is mainly made up thirtysix per cent carbon dioxide and three percent nitrogen.

The surface of Venus is a very hot and dry place. It has several large lowlands and two large highland areas.

A planet’s day is the time it takes the planet to rotate or spin once on its axis. A day on Venus last 243 Earth days or 5 832 hours.

Venus has no moons.

Venus is entirely covered with a thick carbon dioxide atomosphere and sulphuric acid clouds which give it a light yellowish appearance.

On Wednesday the 22nd of August, the stage two and three classes visited Sydney Observatory.

 We went there to learn more about astronomy and space exploration. Highlights of the visit included the awesome experience of the 3- D space theatre, a look at the night sky in a bean bag planatarium and a view through a very large telescope.

After the visit we walked through ‘The Rocks,’ one of Sydney’s oldest suburbs. We enjoyed a view of the Sydney Opera House while we ate our lunch. Osman and Denzel drew these sketches of the Opera House.

The Apollo 11 mission was the first manned mission to land on the moon. It was the fifth human spaceflight of the Apollo programs, and the third human voyage to the moon. Launched on July 16th, it carried Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module pilot Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin. On July 20th, Armstrong and Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon, while Collins orbited above. When Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the surface of the moon he said,

“THAT’S ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND.”

The Silver Dragons would like to find the answers to these questions about the solar system.

 How big are stars?     Ashley

A red giant star may be 65 or 80 million kilometres across. Some are even larger. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star 400 million kilometres across.

How hot is it on Venus?     Geraldi

On Venus, the greenhouse effect is so powerful that it keeps the surface’s temperature at about 475 degrees celsius. This is hot enough to melt lead.

Why is Pluto not a planet anymore?     Taraariki

It is too small to be classified as a planet. It is now known as a dwarf planet.

How far away is Saturn from Earth?     Katherine

It is about one billion miles away from Earth.

Is there life on Mars?     Joshua

Mars is harsh planet unsuitable for human life. Microbes have been found in rock from Mars.

What is happening to our ozone layer?     Isaac

Besides Earth, is there life on other planets?      Deon

What does NASA stand for?       John

National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Who filmed the first man to walk on the moon?     Sarah

What is the moon made of?     Katie?

How hot is the sun?     Tahlia

The sun’s core (centre) is 15 ooo ooo degreees celius.

How many planets are there in our solar system?     Anthony

There are eight planets and one dwarf planet in our solar system.

Who was the first person to walk on the moon?     Kenny

Neil Armstrong

How many days would it take to travel to Mars and Pluto?      Osman and Yousha

Viking 1, launched on 20th August 1975, reached Mars after ten months.

Why is Neptune always stormy?      Justin

Astronomers think Neptune’s weather must be driven by internal heat.

Welcome to the Silver Dragons blog.