Science

Micro:Bits have arrived at Penpol!

14th May 201812th November 2016 by Jacob Woolcock

This term we’ve bought a whole classes worth of BBC Micro:Bits to use with Year 5 and 6!

These tiny computers are incredibly clever and already we’ve had classes using them to make compasses, thermometers and little pocket-sized games. These Micro:Bits have proved such a hit in the last few days that we’re going to make sure everyone in Key Stage 2 gets the chance to learn to code with them this year, starting with Year 5 and 6.

While the children are used to coding using Scratch on the computers, being able to make programs which run on these little devices is even more exciting as they can be taken outdoors and used just about anywhere. Over the year we’ll be using our Micro:Bits for science experiments, music lessons and more. We’ll also make sure they’re available to use at lunchtime Code Club incase anybody wants to try making their own ideas into reality using the Micro:Bits.

Amazing homework from Class 5 & 6!

18th October 201810th November 2016 by Penpol School

In connection with our Science and Geography topics this term, the children in Year 2 were given some suggestions on what they could do for optional homework. These ideas included:

Making dinner for the family at home.
Making an igloo.
Making a Christmas table decoration

Dinner for the family

Eloise decided to show off her very talented cooking skills by making a delicious pasta dish for her family.

“I really like cooking and everyone loved their dinner and ate it all up.” – Eloise

Eloise decided to share her amazing recipe and wrote down a detailed list of instructions.

Igloo’s are very cool!

Several pupils decided to have a go at making an igloo. The children were very creative and came up with very inventive ways of building their igloos.

Myles’s dad kindly helped him to make this amazing model, complete with fishing line and ice blocks.

“It took about half a week to make and I think its really good.” – Myles

Eloise made a smaller one out of clay and painted it, complete with a fierce polar bear! She said she really enjoyed making it.

“My sister helped me but clay is a bit messy and it got everywhere!” – Eloise

Thomas’s igloo was made out of cotton wool and papier-mâché. It took most of an evening to make and even has a little light in it which looks like a fire.

Stunning Christmas table decorations

Christmas is fast approaching and one of the options for homework was for the children to make a table decoration.

Jazmin, Myles and Samuel all made these amazing centre pieces which will proudly grace their tables on the big day!

“I only needed help with the glue gun, it’s good!” – Jazmin

“I needed help with the sand in the jar as it was a bit tricky, it’s definitely going on my table at Christmas!” – Myles

“I did it all by myself except for the glue gun bit.” – Samuel

Outdoor Learning in Class 6 – Healthy eating during ‘Harvest’ time

29th June 20183rd November 2016 by Linda Ruffell

This term Class 6 have been busy learning all about ‘Humans’ and ‘Animals’ and what they both need to remain healthy. Following an exciting trip to Trevaskis Farm, the children were then able to identify why fruit and vegetables are important for a healthy diet and which fruit and vegetables are available to us during the ‘Harvest’ period.

The children also got to meet some of the animals and a very special visitor who was working hard to scare off the birds!

Class 8 explore the science of electricity

14th May 20181st November 2016 by Penpol School

This term Class 8 has been learning all about electricity in science.

We have been looking at how electrical circuits work and our class has even created their own light up pictures.

We firstly came up with a design for the pictures.

These designs were all very original and ranged from faces to animals to cartoon characters.

We then used our knowledge of electrical circuits to write plans on how to make the pictures light up. Then we created the pictures and used batteries, wires and bulbs to make them light up. We showed off our scientific knowledge by drawing the circuits using the correct symbols in our books.

We hope you are as impressed by our hard work and finished products as we are.

Autumn fun in Reception

14th May 20181st November 2016 by Penpol School

The reception children have been learning all about the different seasons this half term. They had a great time collecting Autumn leaves from all around the school. They made some super hedgehog pictures with the spiky leaves they foraged for.

“We made hedgehogs with leaves because in Autumn the leaves fall down and they change colour,” said Louis.

“It gets colder. The animals hibernate they sleep all through Autumn and Christmas,” Imogen tells the class.

Maisie adds, “They wake up in the Spring.”

The children also made some fabulous weather charts in class. The children really enjoyed recording the weather daily and had a go at forecasting the weather ahead.

“It was cloudy everyday.” Amelia reported.

“It was raining. I like the rain because I like getting soaked,” Louis told the class.

Caitlyn added, “I like it when it’s sunny because I like playing with my sister outside. I played inside because it was cloudy and cold.”

Making a healthy sandwich!

14th May 201810th October 2016 by Penpol School

As part or their science topic this term, Class 5 were learning all about healthy eating and the meaning of a balanced diet. The children brought in the ingredients of their choice to make a healthy sandwich and they were delicious!

Class 5 visit Marazion marshes

14th May 20185th October 2016 by Penpol School

On the 5^th October class 5 visited Marazion marshes to take part in a workshop given by the R.S.P.B to learn about the migration of birds.

The children had the opportunity to look through binoculars and see many of the different birds that lived in the marshes. The children also played games which helped them find out about the incredibly long journeys that birds such as the swallow and starling make at this time of year.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — We used binoculars to look at the birds.

Did you know that swallows fly up to 200 miles a day? It takes them six long weeks of flying to get back to South Africa to escape our winter. They can feed on the wing but sadly many die of starvation on this epic journey.

“I loved looking through the binoculars. I could see the birds right up close!” – Toby

“I never knew swallow had such a long way to fly. It’s so far that some actually die.” – Oliver

Healthy Choices on the Menu at Penol

“Penpol pupils are curious, creative and courageous learners. Our school community believes in authenticity as the foundations of deep-rooted learning. Through our rich and relevant curriculum, we nurture community-minded, forward-facing international citizens of the future.”