Materials Unit

This week students investigated into metals. They were split into 3 groups and prepared a short presentation to deliver to other students. The trick was to do the presentation without using metal.

They were anxious and nervous, but realised that we are only in the initial stages of our investigation, so were not expected to be experts. Most chose to present verbally using posters or a paper display of sorts.

In our investigation, we used the Sustainable Compass Points routine to guide our thinking as follows:

Initially, students found this a challenge, but as discussions were held and they opened their minds to new ideas, then discoveries were really made. They proved themselves to be true inquirers, were knowledgeable and took risks, as well as demonstrating that they were principled.

Here are the pictures of the presentations in our room. We shared our discoveries on metal with groups from Ms Emily and Mr James' classes, who focused on wood and plastic.

We took notes as presentations were held and then reported back to our class afterwards about what we found out about wood and plastic.

We discovered there were links between all three materials in relation to the compass points and as a class we became very animated about our learning.

Next week, we will decide how to proceed further with our discoveries about metal. We need to consider what questions we have first and then see which direction we want to take.