This week in Base 4

Another busy time in Base 4 again this week.

We have been looking at mental strategies for adding and subtraction in maths this week and deciding in what cases these are the most appropriate to use. We then practised written methods that we know before moving on to further written methods for longer multiplication problems.

In literacy we examined the introduction to the book 'Weslandia', considering the new civilisation being created and how we could relate this with other ancient civilisations, specifically Egypt. We developed detailed sentences examining how the staple crops grown in the new civilisation provided multiple raw materials to be used.

Our topic sessions saw us consider the changes in the Pyramids that were built in ancient Egypt over time, considering the original burial process and then the stepped pyramids that were first built before the more commonly 'smooth' sided pyramids. We went on to look at using the 3D software, Sketchup to see how 2D drawings could be manipulated using its tools to create 3D representations. We then set about tackling a problem to 'draw' a step pyramid and then a smooth sided one. Finally we looked to add texture and detail to our drawings using the tools that the software provides.

For Science the Year 5's were examining the oxidising reaction that occurs when certain metals rust and the effect that rusting has on the properties of the metal. They then set up their own experiments to observe whether rusting occurred with different metals and materials over a period of time under different conditions. We will continue to monitor and observe any evidence of rust over the next week or so.

The year 5 children also had a very interesting and informative visit this week from the Childline team. They discussed different forms of bullying and abuse and what it meant to people. The team will be back this week to speak with the children once again and discuss their ideas.

We have been working on some superb art work this week in preparation for the forthcoming Skoolsfest celebration. Our theme was families and the children have designed hands with a centre representing their family in some way. Look out for a selection of these being displayed in the Nantwich museum over the next couple of weeks.