Another fascinating week of inquiry has flown by in Grade 6. A really nice balance this week of unit of inquiry engagements, book clubs, writing tasks and mathematics.
Trusting the Laws of Physics
We have been exploring the laws of physics and how energy ‘cannot be destroyed or created’. To show this we have been carrying out the swinging pendulum inquiry. This proves the laws of conservation of energy are correct and allows us to consider the concept of dissipation and how a moving object will (on Earth) always be transferred to different energy types and will thus avoid continuous inertia. Please see the video below and some photos from our inquiry. As well as this, your child will post more on this topic on this week’s Seesaw summary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP7q28wQ2P8
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How are vortex Rings formed?
We have been completing our explanation drafts on ‘how vortex rings are formed.’ Please see this week’s seesaw to see your child’s plan and draft.
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Calculating Capacity
We have been working very hard on solving multi-step problems connected to capacity. Hopefully you will experience a similar type multi-step problem to what we have been looking at when you attend for the Student Led Conferences next week.
Trip Feedback
Some awesome feedback from the G6 students who went on our beautiful / very hot over night camp. It is always great for the students to reflect to clarify their own ideas and also to help to shape / improve future experiences for other students.
Next Week
Student Led Conferences
This is a very special event for students. All students will be fully in charge of guiding you through some of their learning, exciting activities and other aspects of Grade 6 life. I will not be involved, and will not be speaking to you other than to say ‘hello’. It really is the student’s time to take a leadership role. There will be other occasions where you can communicate with myself or other members of staff connected to the Grade 6 team. Please do sign up, if you have flexibility with your timing I advise you to sign up for the earliest session possible as your child will have much more energy and focus then. The following questions (below) may help the discussion with your child during the conference,
Literacy
- Drafting explanation texts explaining dissipation and the laws of energy
Mathematics
- Estimating and calculating the mass of objects using metric measurement units
- Use timetables and schedules (12-hour and 24-hour clocks) in real-life situations
Unit of Inquiry
- Preparing for our (pending) trip to Sohar Aluminium (exact date TBC) where we can look at first hand many examples of energy forms, energy transformations, laws of energy and dissipation of energy. A trip permission letter will be sent as soon as the dates are finalised.
Book Week
Please be aware that the last day for students to bring in books for the ‘book swap’ is Sunday, so please help your child be organised if they want to take part in this event.
Have a great weekend. I am look forward to watching the student led conferences (at a distance) next week!
Matt