Science
2023 - 2024
Class 3 have been exploring magnets and forces. We used all our learning from the previous weeks to design and make a magnetic game.
As part of our magnets and forces learning we explored how a toy car moves on different surfaces. We predicted which surface would be the best, wrote our results and formed conclusion from our measurements.
As part of our Ogden Trust Partnership and linking to shadows, class 3 have made pinhole cameras from a can. We are looking forward to seeing the results at the end of July. The hardest part was using the tin opener to open the top of the can.
Class 3 have been investigating shadows. We looked at how our bodies absorb the light and create a shadow. We know light travels in a straight line, it doesn't bend or curve around objects. We drew around our bodies at different points in the day and we noticed that the shadows moved due to the position of the Earth. We linked this to history and maths; we discussed how ancient civilisations used the sun to tell the time.
We linked our Geography learning to Science creating a chemical reaction to erupt our volcanoes.
As part of our rocks topic, we went to explore which rocks we could find in the stream. We found sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks and an igneous rock. We went back to class and discussed how the water weathers the rock and breaks it down into sediment. That sediment then, with pressure, forms a new rock. We created our own rock cycles.
Class 3 have been investigating animal including humans. We researched the skeleton and how our bodies work. We discovered that muscles are important for keeping us healthy. They expand and contract. You can pull a muscle when you exercise if it expands too far. We used elastic bands to create a model of a muscle.
Visit to Paignton Zoo - We started our unit on Animals with a trip to the zoo. We explored fossils, animal tracks and animal skeletons. We loved hearing all about the red panda and the lion from the zoo keepers.
2022-2023
Spring Term
Materials investigation
The children investigated which materials would be suitable for a raincoat.
How shadows are formed and change size
Growing plants- Here are our the first shoots from our sunflowers we planted last week.We made our first observations of what has happened.
Plants- oracy. We had to work in partners and sit back to back. We were each given a picture of a plant or tree and had to describe it to our partner using only voice instructions. We sat back to back so we couldn't see each other. The chidlren listened really carefully to each other.
Autumn Term
Chocolate rock cycle- We learnt about the three types of rocks through the use of chocolate. It was lots of fun!
Rock propeties- Rock properties We carried out a series of tests on these rocks and then sorted them into which type of rocks they are. Durability - How hard or soft the rocks are by scratching them with different items Permeability– Did water will soak into the rocks by dropping a small amount of water onto the rocks. Density– Did they float or sink. Crystals - Using a magnifying glass, we looked to see if any crystals embedded in the rocks
2021 - 2022
On 5th November Class 3 started their Science theme on magnets and forces. As we had not used the magnets before, we used an identifying enquiry approach to observe the magnets and explore what they do. We discovered magnets have a North and South pole, a compass has a magnet in it, certain ends of a magnet will attract whilst others repel and that magnets only attract to certain metals. We also discovered that a magnet will make a paper clip like magic.
We were extremely engaged in our learning and could discuss it with our peers afterwards.
Exploring Magnets 05.11.21
Observing soils 28.01.22
Class 3 have been observing different soils. We looked at their texture and used our senses to explore how the soils felt and smelt. At the end of session we investigated how much water the soil would absorb. We wrote down our observations using scientific language.
How are shadows formed? 10.06.22
After a short session revisiting our prior materials learning about sources of light, Class 3 started their light topic by investigating how shadows are formed. The sunshine was on our side today, so we went outside and drew around our shadows. We discussed that our bodies were solid and opaque, so it blocks the light and stops it from travelling. We also discussed how light passes through transparent and translucent materials. We predicted whether the shadows would move at different points in the day. Checking on them later in the day, all children noticed that the shadows had moved. We talked about whether it is the sun that moves or in fact, it is the Earth that is rotating. We noticed that the shadows move to the right in a clockwise direction and discussed how ancient civilisations used the sun to tell the time with a sundial.
Exploring Shadows 17.06.22
More learning about shadows today for class 3. We made shadow puppets and explored how they blocked the light to form shadows. We discussed how light travels in a straight line and opaque objects block the light.
