Conductors and Insulators

We really enjoyed learning about and investigating conductors and insulators. We discussed how to keep our test fair and what variables were keeping the same and changing. We wrote our own methods ensuring we were using time fronted adverbials. In mini-crews we then carried out the investigation to see which materials were conductors (allowed electricity to pass through) and insulators (did not allow electricity to pass through). We then recorded this in a results table and wrote our conclusion.

We are Scientists – Series Circuits

In expedition we have continued to be scientist by starting to learn about electricity. Children were given some equipment in small groups and they had to problem solve together to create a working circuit. This was a chance for children to demonstrate their resilience as they’d only been given the equipment and no further instructions. It was great hearing the children talk through what they’d done already and what they could try next. The majority of the groups managed to construct a working circuit and either make the bulb light up or the buzzer work.

Testing out the energy ball!

Today we explored the energy ball a little more, continuing our learning from Friday! We acted as conductors of electricity completing a circuit. We then added other objects to the circuit to see if they were conductors or insulators of electricity.

Experimenting continues in physics

In Crew Mcloughlin, we have been exploring friction in order to help answer our guiding question. This lesson went with a splash as we experimented with water resistance! The children really did focus on ensuring a fair test and ensured we controlled our variables. We also learnt new words along the way such as hydrodynamic and buoyant.

Friction experiment

Today we experimented with friction! We used a range of materials (wood, tea-towel, silk and a cushion) to test out the question, ‘How does the texture of a surface affect the amount of friction?’ We used a ramp and a car and covered the ramp with different textures. We found out that the rougher the surface, the more friction. The smoother the surface, the less friction.

May the forces be with you

During our case study 2 learning, we have been learning all about gravity and friction.

We first of all watched a video introducing gravity, and we also read an informational text about Sir Issac Newton – the scientist who created the gravity law. We were then given the task to use newton metres to measure the weight and mass of objects in class.

Once our learning was secure, we moved onto delving deeper into friction. In order to do, this we carried out a class investigation, we made a hypothesis: the smoother the surface the less friction so the object will move quicker. We concluded this was in fact correct and we were shocked to realise the affects of friction on our world.

Using newton metres to measure classroom equipment

We have now began our Case Study 2 – physics! We first of all, we watched a video introducing gravity, and we also read an informational text about Sir Issac Newton – the scientist who created the gravity law. We were then given the task to use newton metres to measure the weight of objects in class. We really loved this practical activity to kick start our physics.

We each created a table to recorded our findings:

How Does Movement Affect Our World?

Last week, we applied all what we had learnt in physics to help partly answer our guiding question and reflect on the case study. Great understanding was shown as well as beautiful books that look Y6 standard!

After completing our science touchdown, we needed to consolidate some gaps in our learning so in challenge crew this morning we completed a Kahoot quiz. We worked together in submarine mode to consolidate learning and repeatedly answered questions to ensure our knowledge stuck. Great effort Crew Mcloughlin!

Oreo-ver the moon

In expedition, we focused on the phases of the moon. We discussed what the moon looks like and how sometimes it can look different; it is always a spherical shape but doesn’t always appear this shape in the sky. More importantly we delved deeper to find out why…

It turns out that we can only see the moon thanks to the biggest light source of them all – the sun!

We looked at the names of the eight moon phases and then the children had an INCREDIBLE time creating the moon phases using OREOS! It was great seeing children working together, delicately picking apart the biscuits in order to accurately show the eight phases of the moon.

If only every science lesson involved Oreos…