We’ve been using classification keys in order to identify different types of rocks. We had to look very closely at the structure of the rock and perform simple chemical tests with acid (vinegar). We then learnt about the rocks that make up our local volcano!

This week 4AB looked at the history of the battery, or the electric cell as we should call it, and it’s inventor, Alessandro Volta. We then investigated making our own cells from coins, zinc nails and everyday shopping items including lemons, potatoes, oranges and vinegar using a voltmeter to measure the flow of electricity. Even soil could be used to power a small LED although we’re not sure we’ll be able to power the school by connecting it to the school field.

We’ve had fantastic fun creating circuits in Year 4. We’ve found that lights, motors and (our favourite) buzzers behave in different ways depending how we connect them up to the batteries, I mean cells. However, our favourite circuits were made using ourselves. We made a huge circuit using the whole class holding hands to make a buzzer sound and then we even lit up a whole strip light using our arms as wires. We think the new strips light must be really low energy!

We had fun today using our understanding of electricity and circuits to build buzzer games. We then decorated them and had fun testing each other’s games.

After the extended weekend of snow, 4LH came back to learn about the water cycle – or Where Those Pesky Snowflakes Come From as it’s also known. We set up simple models of the water cycle demonstrating the stages of evaporation, condensation, precipition and run off back to the sea. Then we made collage posters to show the cycle.

It’s not really ice cream weather but Year 4 didn’t let that fact stop them from exploring freezing and melting by making their own ice cream. We learned how salt is used to melt ice and why ice cream is fluffy and not a solid lump. We even looked at how water condenses on the outside of the ice cream tub. Three changes of state in one lesson and we got to eat it too!

On Friday, 4AB looked at the importance of Remembrance. We learnt and discussed about why we celebrate the day, the traditions and also the symbolism of the poppy. We then looked at how artists have used sunsets and silhouettes as a fantastic way to celebrate Remembrance day. The children were that inspired that they produced their own pieces of silhouette remembrance art. I may be biased, but I think they are amazing!

Mr Brewer 

How lovely to see Year 6 teaching Year 4 a different approach to their maths learning this week. Teamwork and collaboration showing how you succeed by helping others. 

In science, we’ve been investigating how different coloured ice melts. We watched very closely and recorded our observations as a cartoon as we discovered that darker coloured ice melts more quickly. Sadly, this could become a problem if global warming reveals the darker coloured ground beneath the arctic tundra.

In Maths this week, Year 6 pupils did an amazing job of teaching column subtraction through the CPA approach to a lucky selection of pupils in Year 4! They started with the concrete approach, which is a method that includes the manipulation of physical resources. They used the resources to show their students how we exchange tens for ones, before moving on to the pictorial approach whereby we use pictures and diagrams to represent numbers.

Finally, when the teachers thought their pupils were ready, we moved on to the abstract approach where we practised column subtraction with exchanging. The whole lesson was very successful and was thoroughly enjoyed by every pupil taking part. We definitely have some future teachers in Year 6!