SCIENCE, SCIEnce, science!

We've been investigating rocks as part of our Science learning this term. So far, we've looked at the earth's layers and rocks.

We've also tested a HEAP of rocks using the scratch test, another test for hardness using Fredreich Moh's ( a German minerologist) hardness scale and the acid test.

We were able to categorise rocks into 3 types - sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. We researched the qualities/characteristics of these different rocks.

Next, we investigated the rock cycle with the help of wax crayons.

First we 'weathered' our rocks. This meant grating crayons.

 
Next, we wrapped our 'weathered rocks' in tin foil and applied pressure using clamps. This was to create sedimentary rocks.

 
After applying the pressure, we unwrapped our tin foil to examine how 'rock fragments' had formed.
We observed that they had compacted together. The 3 colours had formed layers. The fragments were hard but still crumbly. This was our sedimentary rock.

 
The next step was to wrap the sedimentary 'rock' up again. This time, we were investigating metamorphic rocks. We applied a lot more pressure with our clamps this time and left the foil packages clamped overnight.

 
We then unwrapped our metamorphic rocks.

 
We observed that our metamorphic rocks were much harder. The crayon fragments were very tightly compacted. It was stronger than the sedimentary rocks.

Then, we investigated igneous rocks. We melted half of the metamorphic rock put the melted 'rock' in the freezer to cool quickly. We melted the other piece and cooled it slowly, at room temperature. We observed that the igneous 'rock' that had cooled quickly was smooth, very thin and glass like. The 'rock' that had cooled slowly, was much thicker and had little bubbles trapped in it.

Igneous 'rock' that has cooled slowly.

Igneous 'rock' that has cooled quickly.

We learnt lots about the rock cycle by testing, observing, discussing and recording.

Passion Time Progress!!

Marthajoy and Emma are really enjoying Passion Time! 

One of the girls is doing woodwork and is holding a prototype of a bedside table she is going to make this term! The other girl is learning to knit. She is holding a pompom she created that she will sew onto a knitted head band.

They are motivated and enthusiastic and learning some fantastic real world skills as well as goal setting and reflecting on what they are doing.

What learning...!

Passion Time! Construction...

Today in Passion Time the Construction group were experimenting with different materials to work out what made a stable structure that was able to stand freely.

At one station, there were straws and paper clips. At another station there were toothpicks and plasticine and at another station, there were popsicle sticks and pegs.

We found out that some materials were much easier to use than others. The most difficult materials to use together were straws and paper clips because the paper clips kept popping off. One group managed to create a standing structure by creating a triangular base and sides.

We discovered that have a central, strong core helped to stabilise the structures. We also worked out the structures required evenly distributed weight or a very stable frame in order to balance. Wide foundations were also another method that helped keep our structures stable and standing!

 

 

 

 

 

Our Cultural Mihi

Our collaborative mural

Our collaborative mural is part of belonging in Room 3.  

There is more to come, but this is the centre...

We are spending time, getting know each other, learning to work together, and forming a healthy and positive class culture we can thrive in for the rest of the year!

To collaborate, we had to work with children who had the pieces of the mural surrounding our piece.

We had to make sure the lines matched up.

We had to rework and rework until we had it right.

We needed to sit, side by side and discuss and compare.

We needed to be patient.

We needed to communicate.

It wasn't easy but it was worth persevering...

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini

It is not my strength alone, but the strength of many that contributes to my success.