Weekly Update Friday 26th March 2021
Month: March 2021
Year 4 Stem Week
This week marked STEM week at Penpol School, a week which celebrates science, technology, engineering and maths
So far, Year 4 have relished the opportunity of being off-timetable and have already taken part in plenty of exciting investigations to whet their appetites.
On Monday, both classes had free reign of Penpol’s grounds and used measurement, distance and circumference to calculate both the age and height of the trees, as well as gaining a better understanding of the beautiful and well-established trees on our grounds. From using the Pic Collage app on the iPads, the groups of students were not only able to record their investigation throughout the day but also use photos to help them create a presentation of their findings and present this to their peers at the end of the day.
On Tuesday, students pulled up their sleeves and happily took to getting their hands dirty and started the morning growing vegetables in mini pots. The next few weeks will encourage them to nurture and care for their seedlings in anticipation of watching them grow. All students were already very excited about planning a nutritious salad bowl upon harvesting their radishes, green salad leaves and beetroots in the next couple of months!
Following a morning of growing, Year 4 then looked at seed dispersal. Following a class discussion on the importance of seed dispersal, we then set out to investigate the question, “How does the flight of a helicopter seed change when a chosen variable, wind strength, is modified?”
Through making their own helicopter seed from a template, each group then tracked 10 flights of their helicopter outside the classroom by measuring the distance travelled. They then compared this to the 10 flights in an environment with no wind (the classroom) and compared the difference between both findings.
Thursday and Friday look set to offer even more excitement, with students being tasked the challenge of building a musical instrument from recyclable materials from home. In addition, they have also been asked to design an innovative spy design which best listens to a secret message. The group which can decipher the message correctly from the greatest distance, wins!
I’m really enjoying Stem week! It’s so fun! Harvey, Class 9
Making helicopters and flying them has been really cool. I like working with my friends too! Josh, Class 10
Year 2 Den Building Fun!
Year 2 had a great morning today den building. Both class 5 and 6 worked together to show how sharing ideas and team work can help you to achieve an amazing outcome! As you can see, from the great photographs, all children had a fabulous time.
Welcome Back Year 2!
What an exciting first day it has been in year two for both children and teachers. All children have had a great first day back and from the smiles on their faces you could tell that they were all thrilled to be back at school playing and interacting with their friends.
The children were also very delighted with the new play equipment and refurbished fire pit.
