Structure and Relational Thinking in Maths

We begin our maths learning sessions making connections with numbers. Understanding how numbers are structured and how they relate to other numbers is the key solving problems. We then move on to solving a problem so that our learning about numbers can be transferred to a new situation. From what we know about numbers we are able to select a strategy that best solves the problem. Check out one page of our modelling book to see how we are going.

Technology - Bird Feeders

In the last week of term we had fun with technology. The task was to design a bird feeder that could hang from a tree. Our first task was to view websites to get ideas of what was possible in design. Then we decided what criteria was required for our designs. Individually we all came up with plans to meet the specifications. Next we joined up with a buddy to discuss our ideas and to make modifications to the plans so that we could construct a bird feeder together. Each plan required different perspectives and measurements before construction could begin. The construction of the bird feeders were a lot of fun. Here is a small selection of the final designs.

Sam and Daniel used chicken wire and cardboard.
They made modifications to the roof design as their
original design kept on collapsing. 

Emily and Abby created this bird feeder. Their biggest challenge was getting stability so they had to change the number of holes and where the perches went. They were really pleased with the end product.

Phoebe and Aysha put a lot of thought to their
design. It contained feeding and water chambers
 in the top and perches below. Time restraints meant
that many modifications were made to their plans.

Jo and Jordan thought the tunnels and the feeding
platform worked really well in their design. They
did make modifications by not including a water
bottle and reducing the number of tunnels. The challenge
for them was getting the feeder strong enough to stand.

 Matt and Manu worked on this design. They
originally wanted the perch to go right through
the feeder but decided that it wasn't necessary.

The Maths Cafè

Our mathematics programme has really taken off this term. The Maths Cafè has been open for business and the menu has been inspiring and appetising. Our mathematical thinking has improved and we are starting to work like true mathematicians. How it works is that the children select an activity from the cafè that they want to work on together. In groups they then record the problem in their own words and select a strategy from the tool box to help solve the problem. All attempts to solve the problem are recorded and effort is evaluated.

The Nature of Science - observing and inferring

Observing bird feathers created a lot of interest and presented a whole range of wonderings. Using magnifying glasses we made observational drawings and recorded what we noticed in detail, including measurements. From here we then began to draw inference from the observations e.g. Jo noticed that the shaft of the feather was 'see through' [transparent] so she inferred that it must be hollow.

Achieving goals

This cup in the photo is of me who won the instrumental section in Westport country music fest. It was a 10 hour drive to Westport. I was staying with a family for 4 days. I didn't expect to win this section because this is supposed to be the most intense section of all but I was surprised when other people did only finger picking!!!!! So it was so awesome that I won that cup.
By Jayden TJ

Trip to the Museum

Here we are with our photo of the bird and the silhouette shapes

Last Friday Room 8 went to the Otago Museum to further our investigation on Flight and Birds. One of our tasks was to match bones and feathers with the birds that were around the museum. We were not always in agreement but we did have interesting discussions. We used clues of size and shape to determine what bird they belonged to. Another activity was to study bird heads and their beaks. The shape of the beak was relevant to how the bird survived and adapted to their environment.

One of the birds we photographed.

An albatross head. Note the shape of the beak. Did you know that they filter salt water through their beak.

Sam is finding out how a birds foot can determine where they might live.

Observations in Science

After classifying objects for flight we then began to act like scientists and make observations. We started to compare the wings of planes with the wings of birds. Making aerofoils helps us learn about air pressure and lift.

Emily and her partner had great success getting the lift and understanding
how air pressure works.