Puffin Class Photo Gallery 2021-2022

Spring 2 Photo Gallery 
Here are some photos from our learning this term. Our topic this term has a geography focus and is 'Volcanoes'. Meanwhile in Science we have been learning about teeth and digestion. In Maths we have finished our unit on fractions and moved on to decimals and percentages. In English we have been learning about and writing explanation text which has linked perfectly to Science week in week 3 of the term. 
Science Week - Friday 18th March 2022
WALT explain what a volcano is and name the three main types of a volcano. 
WALT explain why volcanoes erupt.
 
Today we had a visit from the fantastic Mrs Geer who talked to us about volcanoes. She has visited lots of active volcanoes all around the globe and showed us some spectacular footage of volcanoes erupting. She explained to us how volcanoes are formed, the types of volcanoes, the ways in which tectonic plates move (causing volcanoes to form), how volcanologists monitor volcanoes for signs of eruptions and lots more. She also brought with her a selection of volcanic rocks and some volcanic ash for us to look at, handle and smell. It was really interesting to see how the rocks had formed differently depending on how quickly or slowly the lava cooled. We finished of with an explosive model volcanic eruption. 
Science/Geography links
WALT explain what a volcano is and name the three main types of a volcano. 
 
This week as part of our volcanoes topic we have been looking at the three main types of volcano and how they are formed. We then went on to make some salt dough and make one of the three types of volcano, taking care to include the key features e.g. steep sides, cinder cone top. 
Science Week - Thursday 17th March 2022
WALT: 
  • ask relevant questions and use different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
  • set up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
  • make systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers
  • gather, record, classify and present data in a variety of ways to help in answering questions
  • record findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts, and tables
  • report on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations of results and conclusions
  • use results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions
Today we designed and carried out an investigation to find the best biscuit for dunking. There was lots of great discussion, with questions being asked and answered and in turn more questions generated. We were all astounded when one of the rich tea biscuits lasted one hour being dunked in water (we had to lots of careful swapping toward the end so no one's arm got too tired holding it still) before it broke!
Science Week: Wednesday 16th March 2022
WALT identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees.

Today we took a nature walk around the university grounds. We looked for signs of spring and learnt to identify some common plants e.g. daffodils, primroses, rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, ivy, and bull rushes. It was great to be outside in the sunshine with the class and there was lots of discussion about different types of plants and habitats.
Science Week - Tuesday 15th March 2022
WALT make systematic and careful observations.
WALT describe the simple functions of the basic parts of the digestive system in humans.
WALT identify the different types of teeth in humans and their simple functions.
 
On Tuesday we checked on our tooth decay investigation and had a visit from Dr Wallace. Dr Wallace talked to us about the different parts of the digestive system and the parts they play in the digestion of food. She also brought some animal skulls and we used our knowledge of teeth to decide whether the animal was a herbivore (animals with lots of molars) or a carnivore (animals with mostly canines) or an omnivore (animals with a mix of incisors, canines and molars. We used this knowledge as well as looking carefully at the size and shape of the skulls to try and work out what animal they may once have belonged to.
Science Week - Monday 14th March 2022
WALT describe the movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun in the solar system.
WALT  plan different types of scientific enquiries, answer questions, and recognise and control variables.
 
We started the day with a launch assembly from Mr Cruse.

Whilst year 4 went for their session in the planetarium the year 5’s used their persuasive writing skills to start a science week poster (the winner from each class will be entered into the national science week competition).

After break we talked about how the shell of an egg is like the enamel on our teeth. I gave the children a bag of shopping (they had to decide which bits might have been Miss Lynham’s lunch and which could be used for our investigation) and in groups the children had to design an experiment to investigate the effects of different foods and drink on our teeth. As you can see there was so much great discussion and they did a super job of coming up with a fair test investigation. We will check the eggs each day to see if we notice any changes.

In the afternoon it was swap time as the year 5’s headed into the planetarium and the year 4’s got to work on their persuasive posters.
Guest Speaker
WALT:  identify the different types of teeth in humans and their simple functions.
 
On Monday 28th February 2022 Tanya, a dental nurse, came to launch our new science unit  (Animals including humans 4 - teeth and digestion) with a talk about teeth and dental hygiene. She taught us to recognise and name the different types of teeth and the different roles they play in helping us to chew our food. She also talked to us about tooth decay and how to keep our teeth and gums clean and healthy. She showed us some of the tools dentists use and explained what they are used for.
Spring 1 Photo Gallery 
Here are some photos from our learning this term. Our topic this term has a history focus and is 'The Shang Dynasty'. Meanwhile in Science we have been learning about sound. In Maths we started the term looking at multiplication and division before moving on to learning about fractions. In English we have been learning about and writing quest stories and newspaper reports.  
Chinese New Year Dragon 
WALT: use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks accurately.
 
Mrs Jenkin's sister helped us get our dragon started by making the withy frame for the head. We then worked in small groups to cover the frame in parchment, taking care to wrap the pieces around the edges and overlap each section. We then built up the layers, adding some coloured tissue paper at this stage. Mrs Woods, Miss Lynham, Mrs Moody and Mrs Young all helped up add the finishing details using paint, collage and feathers. 
Gymnastics with Bex
WALT: develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance.
 
This term we have been very lucky to have received some expert from Bex, a gymnastics instructor. We have been really working on our flexibility and moving between positions. 
Number Day 2022
Maths - WALT: 
  •  identify acute and obtuse angles.
  •  identify lines of symmetry in 2-D shapes presented in different orientations.
  • complete a simple symmetric figure with respect to a specific line of symmetry.
  • identify angles at a point and 1 whole turn (total 360o)
  • recognise rotation around a given point. 
Art - WALT:
  • draw on the designs of others for inspiration.
  • create our own repeated pattern or rotational design. 
  • look at, evaluate and compare work by great artists, architects and designers in history.
In Puffin class we looked at the work of William De Morgan, a distinguished ceramic designer.
We looked at:
  • Different shapes in his designs.
  • The angles in a square.
  • Acute, obtuse and right angles.
  • Repeating and seamless patterns.
  • Rotation.
  • Lines of symmetry.
Our Class Trip to PK Porthcurno
WALT: recognise that vibrations from sounds travel through a medium to the ear.
WALT: find patterns between the pitch of a sound and features of the object that produced it.
 
On Monday 31st January 2022, as part of our sound unit in science, we visited the PK Porthcurno museum. We travelled down to Porthcurno by coach ("it was a long way, with some windy roads but was worth it"). Our tour guide for the day, Paul, introduced us to the education centre, our base for the day, before taking us up the hill to the museum. Here there were lots of interactive exhibits to explore, we especially enjoyed tapping our names out in Morse code. We then ventured into the tunnels, the communication centre at Porthcurno moved here during the war to safeguard it and ensure that messages could still be received and transmitted. We split into two group and took it in turns to climb the 120 escape stairs - the view from the top was amazing and definitely worth the climb. 
We returned to the education centre and after a well deserved lunch, we took part in a work shop on sound. During the workshop Paul showed us what sound waves looked like on an oscilloscope, we had a go at tapping out our initials in Morse code and we made our own instruments to explore change in pitch. We had a fabulous day and learnt lots about sound. 
Chinese New Year Visitor 
WALT: understand the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year and its significance to the people of China. 
 
We were very luck to have Tzuching, (a PHD student from Taiwan) visit out class on Tuesday 25th January 2022 to talk to use about Chinese New Year. During her visit we learnt about the story of the Niam (a mythical beast who tormented the people of China) and the significance of the colour red, as it was used to scare the beast away. Tzuching taught us all about the different ways people celebrate Chinese New Year from the foods they eat, to fireworks and big street parades. She went on to explain the 12 zodiac animals and how each year is assigned an animal - this year is the Year of the tiger. We then used the calendar to work out what the zodiac animal was in the year we were born. Tzuching also very kindly taught us how to say "Happy Chinese New Year" and to write this in Chinese symbols.
 
Science - How does sound travel?
WALT: explore how sound travels to the ear.
 
On Monday 24th January 2022 the focus of our science lesson was to explore how sound travels to the ear. We started by recapping the properties of the three states of matter, in particular the way in which the particles are arranged. The particles in a solid are packed together tightly and so vibrations are easily passed from one particle to another. We then experimented with paper cup telephones and 10m of plastic tubing with a funnel attached to each end. We were surprised how clearly we could hear the person at the other end.
Makar Sankranti 
WALT: to understand the importance of Makar Sankranti to Hindus.
 
On Friday 14th January 2022 everyone at Mabe school came together to learn about and celebrate the Makar Sankranti festival. During the day we learnt about the meaning behind the festival, design and made our own kites before flying them up on the field.
Autumn 2 Photo Gallery 
Here are some photos from our learning this term. Our topic this term has a geography focus and is 'Mexico'. Meanwhile in Science we have been learning about electricity and electrical circuits. 
Music - Ukulele
WALT:
  • use a strumming technique.
  • participate in playing a one chord song. 
  • explore ukulele music, styles and context through listening.
  • develop our understanding of rhythm.
  • participate in playing a two chord song. 
  • compose a duet using two chords.
  • explore major and minor chords.
  • use notation to develop our composing skills.
  • perform alongside a backing track. 
  • explore music from different cultures.
We were very lucky in Puffin Class to have the wonderful Mrs Child from Penryn college in to teach us to play the ukulele during the Autumn term. Over the 10 weeks with her we learnt to play a number of chords and then combine these to play songs. At the end of the autumn term we had the opportunity to perform some of these for Heron Class. 
Rosca de Reyes - Mexican Christmas Cake
WALT: prepare and cook dishes using a range of cooking techniques.
 
When comparing Mexican Christmas traditions to those in the UK we came across the Rsoca de Reyes cake which is often made by people living in Mexico around Christmas cake. We decided to have a go ourselves. The recipe is very similar to that of a bread recipe with the addition of sugar, eggs and dried fruit. Everyone had a go at helping to weigh out, add and mix in the ingredients. We were very pleased with the results and even took home a sample to share with our families.  
Mexican god's eyes
WALT: combine different materials and use weaving techniques to make a God's eye. 
 
During our research into Mexican culture we came across these God's eyes and found that they are considered to be a spiritual object and are often found in Mexican, Peruvian and latin American communities. Using lolly sticks to make a cross frame and different types of wool we produced this brightly coloured God's eyes. 
Light up Christmas cards
WALT: use our science knowledge to design and make light up Christmas cards. 
 
Using everything we have learnt about electrical components and circuits in our electricity science unit this term we  designed our own light up Christmas cards. We then used button batteries, LED bulbs, split pins (as a switch) and copper tape (in place of wires) to make our cards. 
 
Science - Human circuit
WALT: recognise the relationship between a switch and lamp in a simple series circuit. 
 
We each took on the role of an electrical component (we used circuit symbols to show our role) and worked together to make a complete circuit. When our circuit was complete a yellow cap was awarded to the person in the role of the bulb to show that it would light up. We worked well together as a team, with lots of discussion, and soon realised that the switch must be closed for the bulb to light up and the circuit to be complete. 
Science - Friday 26th November 2021
WALT: understand the components required for a simple circuit. 
 
During this lesson we matched real circuit components to circuit symbols. We experimented making our own simple circuit to light up a bulb. We found that the circuit must be complete with no gaps for the circuit to work and the bulb to light up. A light up circuit needs a battery, wires and a bulb to work. 
Geography - Tuesday 23rd November 2021
WALT: explore Mexico's extremely varied physical landscape.
 
During this geography lesson we used topography to look at the landscape of Mexico. We used a range of materials and resources to represent the climate and physical features e.g. dry hot deserts and mountain ranges. 
Children In Need - Biscuit Challenge 
Mexico WOW Day 
To launch our new Mexico topic we had a Mexican themed WOW day which linked in with the timing of the Mexican day of the dead. Our day included:
  • Dressing in bright colours, as many people do to celebrate the day of the dead.
  • Learning about the story behind the Mexican flag and drawing our own versions.
  • Locating Mexico on the world map and identify the countries around it. 
  • Creating day of the dead themed skull art work, using colours and lines to create contrast and impact. 
  • Trying a range of Mexican food including, nachos, taco wraps, refried beans and guacamole.
Autumn 1 Photo Gallery 
Here are some photos from our learning this term. Our topic this term has a history focus and is 'The Maya'. Meanwhile in Science we have been learning about states of matter. 
Chocolate Making - Puffin Class
On Monday 1st November 2021 Puffin Class had a chocolate making session to round of our Maya topic. Back in September, we had a chocolate tasting session in which we scored and evaluated the different types of chocolate. We used this knowledge and took inspiration from our guided reading book, 'The Great Chocoplot' by Chris Callaghan, to try out new flavours. We used raw ingredients including; Coconut Oil, Raw Cacao Butter, Raw Cacao Powder and Maple Syrup, alongside a range of toppings including; dried fruit, mini marshmallows and sprinkles.
Science - The Water Cycle
 WALT: understand the role of evaporation and condensation in the water cycle.
 
We put some water in sealable bags and taped these to the window. Over the next couple of weeks we observed condensation forming on the inside of the bags where the water had been warmed by the sun, evaporated and then condensed on the side of the bag. 
Science - Melting points
WALT: explore the temperatures at which materials change state - melting points. 
Science - States of Matter 
WALT: understand the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
 
To launch our 'States of Matter' science unit we explored the three different states. Mrs Malone gave us balloons filled with air, water and ice. We used all our senses to make observations about the different states and even noticed how they changed. When the ice balloon was cut open the ice (a solid) stayed in the shape of the balloon. We also noticed that as we handled the ice the heat from our hands warmed it and caused it to melt. Meanwhile when the water balloon was cut open the water (a liquid) poured into the tray underneath and did not hold its shape like the ice. The third balloon contained air (a gas), once this was cut open the air escaped and we could no longer make observations. 
DT - Chocolate Tasting
WALT: conduct market research by evaluating existing products. 
 
As part of our Roald Dahl day celebrations and to launch our DT project for this half term we had a chocolate tasting session. First we worked together to create a scoring sheet with different categories to help us compare and evaluate the different types of chocolate. We thought really carefully about the criteria we wanted to use and also decided it was important to judge each chocolate without knowing the name or make.