Wednesday, 19 March 2014

Board Games with Mr.Brad

Board Games
Mr Brad has been coming in to share his favourite board games with us. They have been a big hit with everyone. The games have always been focused on clever strategy and interesting educational themes.

Matching shapes and colours with some strategies a bit like dominoes.

Taking turns.

We're all watching on.


Hey where have all the kids gone?

Starting a new Unit of Inquiry - Where We Are in Time and Place

Where We Are in Time and Place
An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries; explorations and migrations of humankinds; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

Central idea

Humans interact with our physical environment in variety ways.

Lines of inquiry
The reasons people interact with the environment in the way they do (causation)
Various environments on Earth (form)

Ways in which people connect themselves to various environments (connection)


Putting  the puzzle pieces together to reveal the central idea.
Some pieces fall into place.

Almost there...

Done!

We investigated the meaning of the key words.

What are the key biomes in the world?

Where does <biome> come from? We have invesigated several hypotheses just like word scientists.

What do you think?

Investigating specific biomes.

Finding the history of words.

Collaborative learning for a new student.

Using technology to investigate the etymology of the word <taiga>.

Etymonline

The iPad comes in handy.

Sharing our findings.


Using a Venn diagram to compare two types of grassland.

Sunday, 16 March 2014

Where We Are In Place and Time

This is our current Unit of Inquiry. We hope to share work from this over the coming weeks. We will be looking at the various biomes in the world and what it is that makes them unique. We will also develop our knowledge about the world and key places within it. Human interaction with all these places is a central concept we will explore.

Where We Are in Place and Time









An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries; explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilisations, from local and global perspectives.

Central Idea

Humans interact with our physical environment in variety ways.

Lines of inquiry :·          

  • The reasons people interact with the environment in the way they do (causation)
  • Various environments on Earth (form) 
  • Ways in which people connect themselves to various environments (connection)


Thursday, 6 March 2014

Car Model

Model Cars
When we go on a journey we often use vehicles to get around. We found out about wheels and axles and then designed and built our model vehicles. We used them for some science experiments by seeing whjat might happen if we added some weights. We trialled the cars and recorded the measurements. We then worked out the average distance travelled.
Beginning the design on paper.

More designing.


The construction stage needs good measuring skills and hand-eye coordination.

Concentration is vital.

We use cardboard tabs to provide strength.

Our newest class member.

Careful as we go.

Gluing.

A helping hand.

We reviewed the problems we were having getting the wheels to turn properly.

Comparing results.

Close up of wheels and axles.

Appraising our progress.

Covering ready for painting.

Putting  the paint design on the finished models.

Concentration is vital.
Painting carefully.

Almost done.

Planning our science experiment on how to set up the ramp.

Measuring how far the cars rolled.

Working together to achieve our goal.

The ramp.

Testing what happens if we add weights.

Would you like a drive?

Heavyweight contender about to come unstuck!

A proud driver.

A limo of the best design.

A compact vehicle.

London buses have nothing on this one!

Sleek and streamlined.

Inspired by the Batmobile?

A tough 4 wheeler.
Designs of our vehicles before building.

Good designs include a list of materials.

Different views help others understand the plans.