Sharing Information About Biomes - Earth Day Assembly

Unit of Inquiry

Central idea: Humans interact with our physical environment 

in a variety of ways.

As a culminating activity the children were 'in role' as famous scientists, who studied specific biomes around the world. The focus of the unit was to think critically about how humans interact within these biomes and the effect that it has on this planet. Earth Day was the perfect day to share our information!

We met:

• Professor Fish who studied the marine biome and told us that plastic rubbish is a big problem in the oceans.
• Professor Pine Tree was the expert scientist on the mountain biome.
• Professor Polar Bear explained the importance of the Tundra biome.
• Professor Gassy shared with us some animals that depend on the grassland biome.
• Professor Brook explained that we should keep our rivers clean so we can use them safely.
• Professor Caterpillar explained about the two different seasons of the rainforest biome.
• Professor Rocky Sands explained how deserts are formed.

You can view the biome dioramas and information booklets in the library.

Analysing Data through Graphs

Investigating and analysing data is an important area of mathematical learning that helps children to understand relationships between different aspects. 

This learning impacts on all mathematical thinking. 

It requires children to think critically, analyse and predict: important mathematical skills.

When we look closely at different types of graphs we can gain much information to help make important decisions about our daily lives. We began this unit of learning by looking at different types of graphs and understanding the terminology <survey> <data> <analyse> <graph>.

The children created their own graphs by collecting data about the different shaped leaves in the potted plants around the school. The children used tally marks as a way of effectively collecting the data. The children were required to work together in small groups and make decisions together about the data collection.

Using tally marks is an effective way of collecting data and collating the results.

When we had collected the data we discussed the findings, analysed why some plant leaves were higher in number and how we could graph the results.

In this unit the children constructed their own bar graphs, measuring accurately the vertical and horizontal columns, created and answered questions based on the graphs. This unit provided many opportunities to use other areas of mathematical skills through a problem solving approach, such as measurement, addition, subtraction and multiplication, finding the difference between two numbers.

Transdisciplinary Theme: Sharing The Planet

PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS

This semester our unit of inquiry looks deeply at how we can find peaceful ways to solve conflict in our everyday lives. We will be discussing and critically thinking about which strategies are the most effective in building harmonious relationships. Our goal is to apply this learning when interacting with others in different environments and situations.

Our first task was to analyse the key words to deepen our meaning of the central idea. The children analysed <peaceful> by identifying and investigating the base <peace>. We discovered that the base had a very interesting history which helped us understand the spelling. It comes directly from Old French <pais> and latin <pax> and is related to the word <Pacific>! The children also recognised that this base has a homophone <piece>. This reinforced that English spelling is primarily based on meaning, as words that are pronounced the same are spelled differently because of their meaning.

We started our inquiry with an everyday problem that can often arises in the playgrounds around the world. The children brainstormed all the ways that this problem could be solved and we sorted them into negative and positive solutions. It is like building a 'menu' of solutions and choosing an effective one for the particular situation.

The children will be introduced to the Six Thinking Hats (created by Edward de Bono) as a way of thinking about problems from different points of view. This strategy is extremely effective in helping us to control our own emotions when in conflict or when attempting to resolve an issue.

This site, Love and Logic, has some interesting articles to help us look at ways we can support children to solve conflict responsibly, independently and with confidence.

Introduction to Division

Understanding the relationship between 

multiplication and division.

Recently the children were introduced to the concept of division. We reviewed multiplication by describing the process through visual and concrete representation. Understanding the process deeply is critical for future learning. The chidlren discovered that division has a strong relationship to multiplication. 

This visual representation shows how 2 groups of 3 totals 6
is the same as
a total of 6 shared between 2 is 3.
The children analysed how the total number, 6, is used in the multiplication and division problem.
We turned the sharing cards around to show the visual representation of division,
by now starting with the total to be divided equally among the groups..

An important part of learning a new concept is reflecting on our learning.
Here the students are sharing their thinking, with a partner,
about the process of division.

The children used coloured tiles to represent a variety of multiplication and division sentences. 

Being able to show your thinking visually helps to demonstrate important learning. manipulating objects helps build visual images and enhances learning.

The children were introduced to the symbols for multiplication and division as a way of mathematically recording 'groups of" and "shared between'.

12 divided by 4 equals 3
is the same as
4 multiplied by 3 with a total of 12
Knowing multiplication and division facts is important but understanding the concept deeply is critical for future mathematical learning.

Applying learning through problem solving demonstrates the children's understanding of the concept.

Learning to use effective counting strategies continues to be an important part of mathematical learning.

How can we count these groups of 3 tiles?

It is important to allow children to record their thinking in different ways to show the mathematical processes they are applying to different problems. This allows teachers to explicity assess children's understanding and plan accordingly.