In September 2017, Year 5 and Year 6 began their Learning Exploration. The Guided question was ‘What lights up our world?’

The Learning targets were:

– I can describe the movement of the Earth and other planets relative to the sun in the solar system

– I can describe the movement of the moon relative to the Earth

– I can describe the sun, Earth and moon as approximately spherical bodies

– I can use the idea of the Earth’s rotation to explain day and night and the apparent movement of the sun across the sky

– I can collect, analyse, evaluate and present data and information using a variety of software (including Internet services)

– I can explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object

– I can identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces

– I can recognise that some mechanisms including levers, pulleys and gears allow a smaller force to have a greater effect

– I can collect, analyse, evaluate and present data and information using a variety of software (including Internet services)

We studied Earth and Space and Forces. We looked at the phases of the moon, day/night, Isaac Newton, investigated forces and developed scientific enquiry. We read the novel ‘See you in the Cosmos’ by Jack Cheng and a selection of non-fiction books. We developed our research skills and presentation skills using Google Slides, video and public presentation techniques.

We hooked the children and enhanced our classrooms by developing the learning environment to include planets, rockets and used wallpaper to depict the night sky for children to plot their own constellations.  The children developed hands on presentation skills by successfully working with XP students on how to deliver a lecture.  

Our significant assessment pieces for this exploration were presentation based, writing an adventure story, non-chronological reports and explanation texts.  They produced Google slides presentations on Earth and Space and Forces and filming scientific experiments to demonstrate theories.

The Learning Exploration culminated when we created an Educational lecture. We launched the Lecture at Trinity Academy inviting parents and Green Top associates to the event. You can see clips and literature of our lecture on our website www.greentopschool.co.uk/blog and our school You Tube channel.

http://greentopschool.co.uk/may-the-force-be-with-you/

http://greentopschool.co.uk/jim-kennedy/

http://greentopschool.co.uk/collaborative-homework/

http://greentopschool.co.uk/space-visit/

http://greentopschool.co.uk/family-learning-4/