We have been learning about the properties of different materials. We sorted the materials into categories and discussed their different purposes.  We are going to apply these into our Castle and Bridges STEM challenges.

We developed our measuring skills by using our rulers to measure multiple points to ensure we could draw a straight line. We learned about different attachment techniques such as tabs, slot, flange, l-brace and gusset.

We have been learning how to structure a story with a clear beginning, middle and end. We focused on developing characters and setting using interesting WOW words. In our spooky stories we developed a storyline using chapters and then typed up our books using Google Classroom.

Our books were then published into our class library. We can’t wait to read each others’ stories.

We used our knowledge of similes and metaphors to create a group poem about Bonfire Night. We arranged our writing on different coloured flames and then went outdoors to find some twigs for our bonfire. We were really proud of our designs.

We celebrated Halloween with different arts, crafts, games and wrote some spooky stories.

We practiced our skills using a French dictionary. We completed a crossword to learn some new French Halloween themed words.

We learned the technique of wax resistant painting using wax crayons to draw Halloween designs and then hid them under black paint. Using some Halloween magic, the colours were able to shine through the paint 👻

On Friday afternoon, we had a Halloween party. We played ‘Boo-ling’, mixed our own magic potions and designed pop up cards to send to our family and friends.  We even did some ‘dookin’ for apples.  We had a fun-filled afternoon.

We have been learning how sound can travel through different materials – solids, liquids and gases.

We completed different experiments, making predictions then observed and listened to the results.

We learned that sound is an energy and travels in sound waves through vibrating molecules. As the molecules vibrate they carry the sound and pass to other molecules. We discovered that molecules in gases are spread out, molecules are closer together in liquids so sound travels faster. But molecules are the closest in solids so sound travels the fastest through solids.

We made our own gongs using string and spoons to listen to sound travelling through a solid (string).

We also created a hydrophone (plastic bottle) to listen to sounds under the water.

Finally we explored sound travelling through the air. We used rice to represent our air molecules so we could see the vibrations. We clapped, played a drum, played a triangle and played a speaker. We were amazed at how the rice moved around, especially when the speaker played – it jumped off the cup and danced around!

We have been using maths to enhance our understanding in Health and Wellbeing. We investigated how much sugar was in popular food and drinks by measuring the amount of sugar using scales.

Then we used the data we gathered to compare the information and display it in a bar graph. We really had to think about a suitable scale for our graph. We learned to interpret the information and draw conclusions. We were absolutely shocked at the amount of sugar we eat each day!

But we also noticed that food labels sometimes show two different types of information. The nutritional label tells you what is in the full bottle/packet and also what is in a smaller amount (100ml). We thought this can sometimes be misleading and people may think they are eating less sugar than they are!

We enjoyed creating patterns outside using chalk. We chose a shape and sectioned different parts using masking tape. We had to work as a team to talk about our design and plan contrasting colours.

We have been learning about life in the 13th century and how the Scottish Wars of Independence started after the death of Scotland’s King, leaving Scotland without an heir to the throne. We used drama to act out the Scottish people being made to sign the Ragman’s Roll to pledge their allegiance to The English King.

We have had a busy start of term. We have been discussing our school routines and what we want to learn in P5.

HWB– Class Charter

We created our class charter and selected the 6 most relevant articles. We thought about what children and adults need to do to ensure we all respect these rights everyday in our classroom and throughout the school.

Art – Marbling

We have been learning a new art technique –  Japanese Suminagashi – paper marbling. The word Suminagashi translates to ‘floating ink.’ We mixed a range of inks with water to create our own marbling designs. We then used this as part of our class charter to write our names in a space themed background.

Art – Colour Mixing

We have been learning about the colour wheel. We enjoyed mixing the primary colours to create the secondary colours.

Maths

We have been learning how to use measuring equipment to share facts about ourselves including our height, hand span and head circumference.

We also thought about how angles can affect design to create our own optical illusion – a parabolic curve. We discussed how these key skills help people get jobs as architects and engineers and that we have seen it in real life bridges.

Literacy – reading cafe

We enjoyed ‘tasting’ a variety of books through our reading cafe. We explored different genres and discussed our favourite books. We wrote some recommendations for our library.

HWB – Leading our Learning

We have started to think about what we want to learn in P5 this term.

Primary 4 had another good year at Cross Arthurlie and despite a period of learning from home, they’ve shown resilience and confidence by bouncing back.  We look forward to seeing everyone back for Primary 5.