British Science Week Class 4

Image result for national science week 2018

This week, across the school, we have been celebrating British Science Week by exploring pollution in the water. During the course of the week, we have been developing and celebrating the characteristics of a scientisit including:

  • Using scientific vocabulary.
  • Asking questions.
  • Making predictions.
  • Planning and carrying out scientific investigations.
  • Testing out theories.
  • Gaining and applying our knowledge of living things and materials. 

One Monday in Class 4, we began by looking at the national debate instigated by the BBC programme 'Blue Planet 2', which was about plastic pollution. 

Image result for blue planet 2 plastic pollution

 

Image result for blue planet 2 plastic pollution

We thought about what we use plastic for, particulary at home and at school. For example:

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We explored the impact of plastic pollution on: the environment (such as the ocean), animals (for example the animals that ingest plastic or are caught in plastic pollution), on humans and on the food chain. The children then researched issues caused by plastic waste. 

On Tuesday, we continued to explore the issue of plastic pollution through RE. As religious scholars we:

  • Read the Christian creation stories.
  • Explored the concept of stewardship and the importance of looking after the world in which we live.
  • Identified other religions which also believe in the importance of looking after our world.
  • Discussed our moral obligation to protect the world for future generations. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the children explored the purpose of plastic bags and the issues that they cause for the environment. Moreover we discussed how, as a society, we have tried to reduce the amount of plastic bags used for example by the government making it compulsory that shops charge for plastic bags, which didn't use to be the case. 

The children then generated their own line of enquiry about alternative materials that could be used instead of plastics to make bags. They planned and carried out an investiagtion, recording their observations and making conclusions. 

Today the children have explored the purpose of plastic bottles and the issues that they cause for the environment. We have looked at how, once they have been used, plastic bottles either end up as landfill, pollute river and oceans or are recycled and made into a new product. We looked at the implications of each upon the environment. 

The children then generated their own line of enquiry about alternative materials that could be used instead of plastic bottles to hold liquid. They planned and carried out an investigation, recording their observations and making conclusions. 

Well done children! You have shown so many characteristicis of a scientisit this week and have really improved your enquiry skills. I have also been so impressed with how thoughtful and mature you have been when debating such pertinent issues.

Mrs Kuffour

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