Term 3 is always an immensely enjoyable time in schools. For teachers, it is a time of the year where we often see the tremendous growth from the beginning of the year. One program that falls during term 3 is the University of Tasmania Science and Engineering Awards. Primary and secondary students develop a line of inquiry which they test and then present their findings. This calls on important skills around inquiry, problem solving, communicating ideas and collaboration with others. Ironically, these are fundamental elements that we would also find in our early childhood classrooms as well.

A number of grades recently presented their inquiries to their peers as part of a larger celebration that was well organised by our science team. From this group, some students were invited to present their inquiry at the Cradle Coast UTAS campus against students from other schools in the region.

Last Wednesday night Mr King and I were present to see Jarroch in Year 9 recognised for his inquiry in to the affects of structured water on wheat growth, by taking out first place in the Year 9-12 Agricultural Science section at the awards. We look forward to continuing to grow the opportunities for students to develop their own inquiries and take their learning in exciting directions.