UTAS Science competition

The 5/6 UTAS Science competition was held today at our school with over 77 entries from schools across the North West and North of our state. We had 123 students engaged in science as they were judged by science experts from the University. I had ten entries from my grade 5 students and we managed to have 6 of those eateries short listed to the top 9 in this section. Super proud of the students and their achievements. The poster boards looked amazing and the students ability to talk the science was well worth the hard work that went into the classroom. Looking forward to the presentation evening tonight. Well done  to all involved.

History final assessment task

I have recently completed a unit of work on 19th Century Australian History with a focus of the impacts that events and people had on colonies during that time. I decided to move away from a written task this time to provide opportunities for kids that don't necessarily work to their potential when having to write. All students learn differently and therefore all assessments should vary to support that fact. The assessment task allowed for a high level of engagement by students and also allowed students to really demonstrate their full understanding of the topic. 

The task I set involved using a brown paper bag. Students needed to choose five items to represent people or events that had a significant impact on colonies in Australia during the 19th Century. The selected items were then placed in the bag. Items were made during class time
and also brought in from home. Once the items had been selected students could decorate the outside of the bag. When they had completed this they had to prepare a speech. The speech involved students pulling out an item one at a time and informing an audience about what the item represented and what impact that item had on colonies of Australia using factual information to support their claims. 

Students all got up in front of their peers without any hesitation to deliver their speeches. Sharing of knowledge broadened students understanding further. Beyond the five items they selected they learnt from their peers on other items. 

Both Grade 5 classes completed this task. Upon reflection my colleague teacher and I both felt this task allowed students to really demonstrate their understandings. I will certainly be using this again in my future practice. 

Brown bear, Brown bear, what do you see? Read by a two year old with exp...

I like to show my Grade 5 class this video of my daughter when she was 2 reading Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see. I always get my students to focus on expression, fluency, speed and tone of voice. The kids love watching it. If a two year old can read with fluency and expression there is no reason why ten and eleven year olds can't. It also helps develop that relationship with students by sharing a part of you and your family.

I'm back!

So I have finally taken the time to write a blog. I have had a massive five months which I have survived and made it out the other end. I had back surgery three months ago as I was laid up in bed for five weeks straight with a massive prolapsed disc. Couldn't walk, stand, sit or do pretty much anything. I was bed ridden and in so much pain. I had surgery which involved a lumbar microdiscectomy and rhizolysis. I have recovered really well and have made it back to teaching for the last two weeks full time. I certainly missed my work while I was incapacitated and know that I have chosen the right profession. I am looking forward to blogging some more this year with hopefully some insightful thoughts and practices about the world of teaching. 

All the best for 2014

Wishing all the people that have read over my blog this year, 2013 all the best for the new year. May happiness come your way always and keep smiling! I'll be back on board ready to do some blogging early next year. 

What will 2014 bring in the classroom and the school in which I work? Let the new adventure begin! 

Science success

It's been a while since my last blog. My class have spent time completing science inquiries. They are now currently working on their integrated inquiry on Earths Place in Space. At the end of last term and success at PICSE students had the option of entering their inquiries into the Tasmanian Science Talent Search. This was open to Grade 5 and 6's. The results for this competition haven't been released but judges select the best inquires to be sent off to BHP science awards which is a national level science competition. 

I received news on the weekend that we had five enteries (8 students) from our school that had been selected to enter BHP and three of those students were from my class. I was extremely excited to inform my students and demonstrate that a good science topic and hard work will take you places. The boys were very proud when they found out the exciting news which was great to see. 

As I have mentioned in previous blogs I place a big emphasis on purpose in the classroom. Purpose =engagement! 

The boys topic was on finding the best egg replacement for the binding quality in muffins. This has a strong link to helping the community as there are a lot of people who have anaphylactic reactions to egg. I wish my grade 5 students all the best of luck and also the grade 6 students who I taught last year. Great to see so many students engaged in science. 

Success at PICSE science competition

The last six weeks Grade five and six at our school have dedicated their time to science. They have chosen their own inquiry to run. There were so many different inquiries happening in class which took a lot of organisation but it was well worth it. The students ran their investigations and then wrote a science report. After their report they displayed their information on a display board. We had an open day were parents came to visit the classroom and observe students work and also ask students questions. This was a good practice for students before the PICSE science competition judging. 

On judging day scientists from the community judged students on their science inquiries. Students had to speak to their inquiry which demonstrated a good understanding of their science knowledge they had gained. 

Their were five or six different schools and many entries. From Grade five we had two students win and another two win best environmental for 5/6. We  got 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Grade 6 and also multiple high school winners that were ex students and had been through our program which was great. 

The kids were so engaged throughout this experience and can't wait to do it all again next year. 

All students science reports can now be entered into a state science competition for further judging. 

I am extremely proud of the work my students have done and the sound science inquiry skills my students have gained in the last six weeks.