Science Science Science

Over the last few weeks we have been practising our science skills. We have been practising observing, hypothesising and recording.

Our first experiment involved glue, water, food colouring, pipettes and dishwashing liquid. We observed the reaction and the change over time. The final product can be seen on Room 8's windows.

Another experiment involved cups, water, food colouring and paper towels. We hypothesised and observed over time. We created a walking rainbow.

Visit to Okeover Stream

As a part of our inquiry, Room 8 visited the Okeover Stream to measure the flow of the water. We decided to measure over a distance of 5 metres using a dog biscuit and a stopwatch. We predicted that the stream would be faster in the middle because it is open and exposed to the wind. We predicted it would be slower towards the bank because it is more protected and there are plants to slow it down. We were correct!! We also noted that the as the dog biscuit travelled down the stream, its pace changed depending on where it was in the stream. We think we need to start investigating water currents. Yohann's mum took some great photos of our adventure. Please feel free to take a look at our recordings in our Inquiry book.

Pirate and Pizza Day

Last week was Pirate and Pizza Day at Ilam School. We did some descriptive writing about either a pirate or a pizza. Our writing is on display in Room 8.

Visual Mihi

Part of our Ilam Vision is 'I Belong'. The children have been working on their visual mihi showing how they belong. They have represented themselves with their flag, their family, a personal symbol, descriptive words and a portrait. This new artwork is now on display in Room 8. Please come in for a look.

I Belong 'Kua Whai Turangawaewae au'

In Room 8, we have been discussing how we belong. We created this display showing all of the countries our families are from. We found out the greeting, the flag and the people in the class who have an affiliation with that country. There are 15 countries represented in our class.

Managing Our Learning at Reading.

In Reading, we have a 'must do' / 'can do' board. We have a number of activities that must be done by the end of the week, we also have some activities that we can do if we would like. We have our own individual timetable which we fill in each morning. We make decisions on when we do certain things, how long we spend doing them and what we need to do next. Here are our thoughts on our Reading board.

• I really like Spelling Rock n Roll because I can write my spelling words in all sorts of different ways.    William
• I like Spelling Rock n Roll because it is a fun way to learn your words.   Susanne
• I like Word Study because it is like thinking time. Gaurika
• Independent Writing is really fun and relaxing. I like writing what I want to.   Lucas
• The board tells me all the hard work to do. I like how we can get on with it then we have Golden Time if we do a great job.   Nicolas
• I like how we can do Pic Collage for online learning and we can make our own page.  James
• I like doing poetry because we can draw a picture that matches the poem. I also like browsing box because it’s fun reading.   Arshia.
• I like doing browsing box because you get to read a book that you already know how to read.    Gaurika
• I like doing poetry because they are really funny. Dillon
• I like reading because it is calm and relaxing. Harley

Bubble Fun with Science in a Van!

Last week, the team from Science in a Van visited Ilam School. We reflected on what we learnt and how we felt about the show. 

• We learnt about different kinds of bubbles. We learnt that 2 or more things mixed together make a mixture.
• Water and cooking oil separate.
• Helium is lighter than air because the helium bubbles went up to the ceiling.
• Solid carbon dioxide mixed with water makes a cloud.
• We learnt about forces and gravity.

• "We went crazy when the big bubbles came out."  Hosea.
•  "The mixture of vinegar and baking soda was exciting. I didn’t know it would fizz up." Gaurika
• "I felt sad when they left." Josh
• "When the cloud went in the bubble, it turned white." Dillon
• "It was disappointing that the bubbles didn’t make it to the middle of the group."
• "Everyone kept on popping the bubbles." Monique

Statistical Investigations

Have you ever wondered which reptile is favoured most in Room 8? Or which colour we like the best? Well, wonder no more. Come to Room 8 and have a look at our Statistical Investigations.

We learned to:

• collect data using a tally chart
• plot data on a graph
• draw a graph including axis, title, data
• interpret the data on a graph
• approach people and ask questions

 Yesterday, Room 8 were very interested in the fire on the Port Hills. We felt that something important was happening in our city and we needed to talk about it and do some writing. We decided to write a quick news report ...

The Hills of Fire by Room 8

The Port Hills are on fire. Firefighters are at the scene struggling to fight the magnificent, unstoppable forest fire. Black smoke rose above the city. You could smell the burnt hills in the air. Tragically, Firefighter Steve died when his helicopter crashed trying to fight the fire. Tune in at midday for the latest on the fire. 

We have written a class treaty based on our Ilam values - kind, safe, positive & respectful. We traced around our hands and drew patterns and pictures. We attached them to the treaty to show that we agree with it.
Here's what we wrote.

In Room 8 we are Positive.

• We give things a go.
• We don't give up.
• We try new things
• We have a 'can do' attitude.

In Room 8 we are Kind.

• We are friendly and helpful.
• We speak nicely.
• We use our manners.
• We take care of each other and ourselves.

In Room 8 we are Safe.

• We make sensible choices.
• We look after ourselves, our things and each other.

In Room 8 we are Respectful.

• We listen to others.
• We use our manners.
• We focus on what's happening.
• We be the best we can be. 

Crossword Fun!

Here is our Room 8 crossword. All of our names connect showing that we are all a part of the Room 8 family and that we work together as a team. Come on in and read the clues, try to guess the answers -some of them are really tricky!

We are Room 8!

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