Term 2 Week 11

metaproject

Mza's recent exploration of the solar system has led to an introduction to our galaxy; The Milky Way.
Some children noticed that both of these were represented in our classroom as a spiral shape.

 

We decided to capitalise on this and turn our solar system table-top in to a galaxy! Much discussion ensued about the best way to do this...with a decision made on paint, followed by careful consideration of the colours which should be used.

The above activities inspired some children to share their knowledge of other spiral shapes in nature. Snakes, shells and snails were mentioned (so far!)

Making a spiral, 3 colour pattern.  

MZa's exploration of rainbows continuous...as does it's offshoot - our inquiry into water. During Discovery Time last week, I froze some Antarctic animal figures for the children to excavate with a variety of tools. After they had shared their knowledge of these animals and perused a non-fiction book on the subject, the children got to work!

"I think if we put water it will melt."
"Oooh! So cold!"

Term 2 Week 9

metaproject

MZa's engagement with rainbows continues. We revisited what the children know about rainbows...

"The clouds lift up the rainbows."

"Some rainbows have lots of gases."

"Different lights of colour and it comes when it's sunny and raining."

Our class also have some wonderings about rainbows. We want to know...

"Why are there so many colours and sparkles?"

"Why are rainbows shaped in a curve?"

"Why are they so high?"

"Why do rainbows have so many colours?"

Our class watched a short video about the science behind rainbows and learned that light is white, but when it hits a prism (raindrops and bubbles act as prisms), it breaks into 7 colours...the colours of the rainbow!

We were so lucky that yesterday one of our parents Jenny, helped by Maria, explored making bubbles with the children. The class were all able to create their own huge bubbles and were really excited to see the colours of the rainbow in them!

Our inquiry into rainbows has also branched off into an inquiry into water. We have been making rain and exploring the different states of water.

Making rain!

Mixing boiling water to make hot chocolate. Some of the water changed from liquid to gas!

Mother Language Day

Thank you to our parents who shared a story in their mother tongue. The class were very engaged by the stories and enjoyed listening to the beautiful languages of Tamil, French and Bulgarian.