Prep S Science Award 2009
During the very first term of 2009, Prep S demonstrated an interest in the natural world and science. The focus in the negotiated play area was a “Nursery and Garden Centre”.
In association with this area of interest, Prep S simultaneously participated in the “2009 QPIF Hermitage Research Station Schools’ Plant Science Competition”. 
This competition has been running for over ten years, with an emphasis on nurturing scientific pursuits in schools. Prep S attained a “Highly Commended” award in the Queensland P-3 Section for the research project we submitted in the competition! At the presentation ceremony, Prep S received a framed medallion and individual certificates.
Students were required to sort various grains and pulses by type, and then match them to the appropriate grain and crop samples. Germination experiments followed, in a variety of controlled environments. A research station was set up in the classroom to facilitate all the research.
While the grains grew (or not!), Prep S examined the use of grains and pulses in food. Wheat was ground into flour and used to make pasta, popcorn was made from maize and bean sprouts cultivated as ‘hair’ for cup faces. 
Prep S recorded the process using digital photographs, written predictions and records, diagrams and data collection. From the research, the class came to a number of conclusions about grain germination and growth. A ‘research paper’, collating all of the above, was submitted in the competition.
