ArtScience Museum Field TripWriting using StoryboardsInternational Day Festivities
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How We Express OurselvesThis week we explored the line of inquiry: evaluating images. We began the exploration by responding to various images from the past and the present. By looking at the images, and noticing their features, we decided to categorise them depending on the connections they shared. We began to see patterns, and concluded that, images can inform, persuade, and/or entertain us. We will continue with our explorations with our lines of inquiry and make meaning from the images that are all around us. G2 PerformanceThis week, we shared an original piece of music during assembly, titled "Teamwork". During performing arts, we focused on writing our own musical maps using symbols and notations. It was exciting to perform in front of all our friends on ES campus. Images Express MeaningThis week we were fortunate to have visiting guests come and share their treasured images with us. We learned about what life was like in Norway over a 100 years ago, and had the opportunity to learn about our classmate. We discovered that images hold a special meaning to families through out the generations. When responding to some of the photographs shared by our guests, we focused on what we could see, and also how it made us feel. Thank you to our special guests from Norway. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Singapore, and wish you safe journey back home! Explorations of Geometry Through ArtThis week we continued our explorations of 2D shapes by creating original art work. For example, we created various polygons using our understanding of lines and points. Then, inspired by the famous work of Dutch graphic artist M. C Escher, we explored geometric tessellations by creating our own art pieces. We understand that mathematical concepts are used in many different fields. Shared PoetryDuring the week, we wrote poems about the winter season with our reading buddies from Kindergarten classes. First, we explored using sensory details to add imagery and brain storm our ideas. Then, to experience what "winter" might feel like, we made snowmen using marshmallows and wrote our poems together while enjoying hot cups of coco. We understand that poetry involves using all of our senses. House Events with Real MadridGeometryThis week we began our investigations in geometry and the central idea: Specific vocabulary can be used to describe a shape and it’s position in space. We explored 2 dimensional shapes using geo-boards and created tangram puzzles. The next few weeks, we will deepen our understanding by exploring; the properties of and relationship between 2D and 3D shapes, symmetry, and simple transformations. How We Express OurselvesWe began a new unit of investigation How We Express Ourselves, by tuning into the central idea; Images Express Meaning. We started the week by adding to our knowledge of what "image" meant and began to deepen our understanding of each word within the central idea. The tuning in process included an "image" hunt around the campus. Additionally, created our own art pieces which incorporated elements of geometry, such as symmetry and transformations. Then we practiced responding to our abstract images by sharing what we see, think, and wonder. Measurement and Data HandlingThis week we continued to investigate around measurement and data handling. We learned the difference between mass and weight and decided to apply our knowledge to measure common items we use every day. We conducted an experiment to measure density by the way an item floated, or sank, in water. Furthermore, we measured the volume by carefully noticing the difference in water level. Then, we used the "density cubes" from the middle school lab to measure the mass and volume of cubes made out of various matter. We enjoy learning from experiments! Sharing Our Knowledge in ScienceThis week we focused on reading for information and created posters to share our findings. We worked in small groups to research information around different types of forces; this included gravity, friction, static electricity, and air resistance. We then collaborated to work on presenting our information using demonstrations. How The World WorksThis week we visited the Science Centre and made connections to our UOI. Once inside the centre, we explored many different hands-on exhibits that connected to the central idea and lines of inquiry. We learned the impact of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere and how climate change affects our environment. After touring the facilities we had fun in the water park where we engaged with force and motion in action. We ended our visit with a picnic lunch in the kinetic gardens. We had a great day filled with learning and fun! Measurement & Data HandlingThe students in G2.1 have focused on the central idea: Standard units of measurement allow for a common language about data and we can display them in different ways. We began our maths inquiry by investigating "non-standard" units of measure and we were able to understand the challenges as well as the benefits of using such methods. Then we explored various "standard" units of measure and began to see how we can communicate across different languages using language of standard units. We also met as a grade level and inquired into how we collect and display data. Picture Day and Other Celebrations!Last week was filled with fun activities, such as class picture day, and learning about traditions around the world around the time of Halloween. We had fun taking group photos and learning about "Dia de los muertos", a holiday celebrated in Mexico to honour family members who have passed away. We learned many facts about the human skull, and made paper models. Model skulls made of sugar called "calavera" are used in Mexico during Dia de los muertos celebrations. Force and MotionThis week we began our exploration of force and motion. We worked in cooperative groups to test various ways objects can be moved. We created tools to push or pull objects across space, and discovered that tension is a type of force that is transmitted through a string, or a rope, when pulled in opposite directions. We also shared how tension is used in music (such as strings on a violin) and in knitting. MeasurementThis week we explored various ways to measure using "non-standard" tools. First, we decided to use our feet to measure our height, but discovered that this creates differences in outcome. We discussed other ways to measure various states of matter, such as solids, liquids, and gasses, and recognized the need for "standard" units of measure to create a common understanding. Making HoneycombsWe learned that matter used in cooking can change it's state. This time, we added few simple ingredients to make honeycombs. We observed how matter can change from a solid, to a liquid, and back to solid again. We love learning how matter impacts our daily loves. How the World WorksThe students in G2.1 took a trip to Preston campus to inquire into how change in matter affect our lives. Shen, from the Gastro Guys, prepared a special cooking lesson on baking "chocolate chip and brown sugar cookies." We engaged in this hands-on experience to think about the ingredients used, and observe the changes that occur has heat and liquids are introduced. We plan on utilizing this experience to learn more about physical and chemical changes in matter. After the cooking lesson, high school volunteers took us on a tour of the campus. It was exciting to see what the learning space is like, and we even participated in an impromptu sing-along led by the music teacher, Mr. Garden. Author Visit"Stories are everywhere!" was the important message author Neil Humphreys shared during his visit with students at ISS. As the author of various genres, and books for audiences of all ages, Neil shared how he turned the experiences in his own life to create his books. Life is full of ordinary moments that can become extra-ordinary stories. The students in G2.1 were inspired by Neil's humorous take on his memories of primary school and outings with his daughter--all of which inspired the series Princess Incognito. We can't wait to use our memories and turn them into meaningful stories. How The World WorksThis week we "tuned-in" to our new unit of inquiry; How The World Works. Our central idea is "Changes in matter affect our environment." To tap into our prior knowledge, we explored and observed various forms of matter. We explored matter by combining various ingredients to make several different things; slime, play dough, and popsicles. We also combined water and soap to make bubbles. We made careful observations and wrote down our wonderings. In G2.1, we understand that matter is all around us and behave in ways that can be described. Constructing Meaning in MathsThis week we "tuned-into" constructing meaning in maths. For the next six weeks, we will explore measurement and data handling. To begin the unit, we explored various standard measurement tools that we use in our daily lives. It was fun to look for clues on the maths tools, and use our inferential thinking skills to conclude how and why the tools may be used. Writing to InstructThis week we began a new genre in writing; writing to instruct. We discovered that we are all knowledgeable and can learn from one another. To explore the genre, we learned how to make "origami snow flakes" from Julie. We also visited the library to engage in a special genre study of "how-to" books, written to instruct the audience. We then worked together to create a guide for the library on "how to check out books". |
The AuthorsThe G2.1 authors are a group of 7 and 8 year old students who attend ISS. We are passionate about learning together and enjoy sharing our journey with you!
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