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.

Tiny House Expert Alannah!

Today, Alannah from the Tiny House Community in Christchurch came in to talk to us about tiny homes. She and her partner are building a tiny home themselves - on a trailer! While they build their tiny home, they are living in a sleep out. 

The interior of the tiny home is made of steel framing. Inside, the wood they use will be rimu and pine.  It was fascinating hearing the pros and cons of living in a tiny home as well as the process Alannah is taking to build her home.  She told us that even families are living in tiny homes and that it can work really, really well.

We had lots of questions as it was really interesting hearing what she had to say about tiny homes!

Thank you for coming to visit us Alannah!

We measured the size of Alannah's tiny home on the court (2.4m by 6.5m) and we stood inside it.
It was a small space!!

A different angle.

Alannah drew up the plan of the tiny home.

Alannah also spent some time looking at the little tiny homes we had created. She gave out some awards.

Children who received a certificate for the tiny house awards.

Finn received one for 'Best use of plants'

Hannah received one for 'Best colour scheme'

Felix received one for 'Most realistic tiny house'

 Erin and Nethira received one for 'Best use of roof space'

Aditya and Armand received one for 'Best layout of a tiny house'

Sharukh received one for 'Most detailed tiny house'

 

Sienna and Isabel received one for 'Best two storied tiny house'

STEAM Challenge

Our challenge is to create a symmetrical picture using radial symmetry and our creativity using paper and dividing our square into fractions.

However, the challenge is slightly more challenging! We need to use 3 different origami folds which can be used as they are, or, modified to create a different shape.

Here we are engaged in the process! Final creations coming soon...

 

      
 
     


     

     

Fertilising For The Future with the Christchurch City Council

Last week as part of our inquiry "The Secret Lives Of Living Things, we went to the Eco Centre in Bromely for a trip called "Fertilising For The Future!" This was all about using organic waste and turning it into natural fertilisers. We layered ingredients to make hot compost and we learnt about the fermentation of food using EM Bokashi. Most exciting of all was making our own EM Bokashi mix which we were allowed to take home. At the moment, we have it at school and are waiting for it to ferment. If the mixture is just right, it will grow a white mould. If we added too much liquid to our mixture, it may grow the bad kind of mould, the bluey greeny stuff. But Chris did say if that happens 'all is not lost!' We can throw it into the garden as a fertiliser. Check out the photos below.

P.S. If you're wondering about the crazy hair and the brightly coloured clothes it was Wig Wednesday that day :)

Inquisitive Inquirers!

Our inquiry this term is called 'The Secret Lives of Living Things'!

We are completely in the midst of tuning in to a variety of different things in response to this theme.

So far, we have looked at bees, pollination, flowers, germination, worms and insects! We've had experts in including Nicky who did some artworks on the threats to bees and designed a game, and, we've had Dougal, an expert in worm farms in to talk to us and show us a real, live worm farm! We've also pulled flowers apart to find the male and female parts and found out what flowers look like under the microscope. This week, we're going down to the river to look at water health and other bugs we might find there and we're also going on a trip called 'Fertilising for the future'. 

 

 

Pollination 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

Dougal, the earthworm and Tiger worm expert!