A Window into the Classroom II.

Today the children will bring more work home. As before they have chosen two books to share with the family. We encourage you to talk together, in your home languages, to discuss the learning and the conversations this work represents. Here are some questions to help your discussion.


1. What were you thinking when you did this?


2. What did you find difficult?


3. What have you learned that is new?


4. What did you enjoy the most? Why?


5. What do you know now that you didn't before?


The focus of the Mathematical journals is mathematical thinking and they show your child's thought process. Each book is a snapshot of your child's progress so far in grade five. All books should come back to school on Monday as we use them every day in class.

The class continued with their inventions today. Using reason and logic they are discussing which materials are the best for them to use, how they can make their inventions and how they can improve their inventions . They are using the laws of science (such as force as they devise simple pulleys) and the understanding they have gained during work already done on this unit (for example, their knowledge of properties of certain materials. They know that plastic is waterproof and, despite the fact they know this, they are using good scientific practice by testing first). They are using measurement to ensure their inventions are accurate and precise; some are using their understanding of Volume to build their inventions. The children are thinking creatively, making connections with different areas of the Curriculum, as well as linking their inventions to items/gadgets that they might need in their homes. They are learning through trial and error, constantly evaluating their decisions and trying to improve on what they have done. They are talking, listening, sharing ideas, collaborating and recording this process through writing, photographs and videos. They are applying their knowledge, skills and learning to do all of this. Mrs. Nicholson and I are very proud of them.


Below are some examples of the process of some of the inventions:

Something to help us in the kitchen.

The prototype is developing!

Will this material make a good waterproof skirt?

Let's test it.

Tape is great for sticking things to the wall. Will it hold the weight of the door as it closes?

No. What needs to be done now? How can  this problem be solved?

Recycling to make a useful object.

The bag.

Using pulleys to develop a system to press the switch to put the blinds down remotely.

Making a basic water pump.

Using understanding of volume to make a model of the invention.

Thinking through ideas and planning through design.

This planning shows part of the process as this group have designed, tried, evaluated and improved their design.

Using wire in a pulley system.

Reviewing an early model and assessing which material it could be made from.

Please do add your comments below. We would all love to hear of any ideas you have or any inventions you have made.