STEM week in Year 4 was exciting!
We explored that the first known toothpaste was invented in North Africa by the Ancient Egyptians as early as 5000 BC. In the 1800’s, tooth powders were used. These were made out of chalk, brick powder, salt or charcoal. We then created our own toothpaste recipe. We needed to decide which ingredients were abrasive to brush off the plaque and then added flavour and liquid to create a paste. We then compared it to other toothpaste brands to see which toothpaste could brush off a stain better. We also tasted each other’s toothpastes….. some were very salty or extremely minty!! We also looked into scientist Washington Sheffield, who was famous for inventing the first modern toothpaste in a tube.
In Year 4, we also made Aqueducts which is a water pipeline where they use gravity to move water. The Romans were considered the greatest aqueduct builders of the ancient world. These types of systems to move water were also used in Ancient Persia, India, Egypt. They were used as tunnels into a hillside to transport water. We poured water onto our aqueducts to see if it transported water.
Other STEM activities we did were: origami jumping frogs; discovering oxygen experiment; and designing Islamic tiles.
Prayer Day
G’day folks! Class 4 celebrated Australia Day. Children learnt interesting facts about Australia; mapped out the states and capitals; baked and ‘taste tested’ some Aussie tucker (Pumpkin scones, Vegemite sandwiches and ‘Fairy bread’); named Australian animals; shared Australian storybooks; and adored cuddling Australian animal puppets and wearing Australian hats. Class 4 enjoyed creating their own Aboriginal art too.
We had a ‘BONZER’ day!
During the Spring term, Class 4 are studying Roman Britain. We enjoyed exploring how powerful the Roman Army was and trying on a Roman helmet and shield.
We have been learning about electrical circuits by making our own circuits with batteries, wires, bulbs, buzzers and motors. We also tested out different types of switches. Class 4 have also investigated electrical conductors and insulators and know that conductors are materials made from metal.
Class 4 are learning about different monarchs who have had an impact on British History.
So far we have studied William the Conqueror and King John. We enjoyed making our own Magna Carta (The Great Charter) that is still part of our English Law today. We had an area of the classroom set up as Runnymede (area near London) to sign and seal each handmade Magna Carta, just like King John did on 12th June 1215.
Learning about Henry VIII was a hit, especially singing the Horrible Histories Rap about Henry and his 6 wives. Next is Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and of course our longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
Class 4 had fun collecting the fallen autumn leaves to make leaf mould. Each group had a black bag to fill with as many leaves as possible in 10 minutes. The children were amazed how heavy their bags were.
The collected leaves will be stored in the black bag, with some holes and kept moist. The leaves will naturally break down over 12-18months to reveal a dark brown light compost/mulch, which we can then use in our school garden.
We have been thinking about Jesus’ baptism. We talked about the significance of water and what it meant. We came up with lots of words that we associate with water; life-giving, refreshing, hydrating, fun, peaceful, calming. We then went out and wrote the words in chalk in creative writing. After that we chose our favourite words and washed away the others.
Class 4 have been reading Wolves in the walls. We went outside to practise our drama pretending to be wolves and plotting mischievous plans! We had great fun then performing it in front of the class.
