All posts by Mrs Gough

Primary 5, Primary 6

Earthquake building challenge

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Today we took part in a stem challenge to design and build a building that could survive an earthquake.

We were only allowed to use:

  • 20 pins
  • 70 paperclips
  • 2 metres of string
  • 30 straws
  • a cardboard base

Our buildings had to be at least a ruler tall.

We had 20 minutes to plan our design and talk about what we would like to do I n our teams of 3.

Once we had planned, we started building our earthquake proof buildings.

We worked really hard to make sure our buildings would survive.

“We had to think of a way to join it to the cardboard. We used pins to secure it” –  Bryoni

” We joined the straws together using paper clips ” – Jayden

Some of our buildings didn’t meet the criteria so we couldn’t see if they would survive an earthquake.

The winning building that survived the earthquake, which was Miss Cooke, was Rebecca, Jamie and Ryan.

 

Primary 6, Uncategorized

Greenrigg and Stoneyburn transition day

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Today Primary 6 from Greenrigg went to Stoneyburn Primary to work with the Primary 6s. Our transition topic this year is “Bridges”.

First of all we researched the 3 bridges that cross the Firth of Forth.

They are:

  • Forth Rail Bridge
  • Forth Road Bridge
  • Queensferry crossing.

We discussed what we would like to find out about each bridge.

We formed groups of 3 and got started using the Internet to find out the answers.

We produced a poster to share our information with others.

In the afternoon we took part in a stem challenge. We had to design a bridge which was at least the length of a ruler and could hold the weight of a hole punch. We could only use art straws and elastic bands.

We all had different designs and different ways to make sure the hole punch could be held on the bridge. Some of our bridges were successful and some were not.

We debriefed the challenge at the end and came up with our next steps for our bridge building challenge.

We can’t wait until the next transition day after Christmas.

Primary 1, Primary 2, Primary 3, Primary 4, Primary 5, Primary 6, Primary 7

West Lothian Foodbank collection

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Over the last 3 weeks we have been collecting food for the West Lothian Foodbank.

We have collected food for people who are struggling to buy and get hold of food.

We had to bring food that can stay in your cupboard and don’t go out of date until next year.

The winning house was Baillee who collected the most food and won 500 house points. Kelly were second with 250 house points and Dardenelles with 125 house points.

We’re very proud of the amount of food we’ve collected especially as we’re not a big school.

by Jayden P5/6

Primary 3, Primary 5, Primary 6

Becoming expert readers

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Today we were lead learners with P3 to help us all become expert readers.

Mrs Campbell showed us how she reads a book and we then brainstormed how we could become better readers.

“We need to use expression when we talk” Natalie

“We need to read clearly so people can understand” Klaudia

 

We then used what we thought and practiced being an expert reader.

Once we had read our books we gave the reader a star and a wish.

We can’t wait to do it again and continue our training on becoming expert readers.

Primary 3, Primary 4, Primary 5, Primary 6, Primary 7

Celebrating Roald Dahl day

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Today we took part in Roald Dahl day. It would have been his 100th birthday today.

We watched a live event all about his writing, his characters and his books. We really enjoyed it.

We even had the chance to draw an Oompa Lompa with Quentin Blake.

We discussed who the most villiest villan was in his books – it’s Miss Trunchball from Matilda.

We had a great afternoon.

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Primary 3, Primary 5, Primary 6

Primary 3 and Primary 5/6 start debating

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Primary 3 and Primary 5/6 have joined together this term to debate.

We discussed what a debate is, how they work and what different language we can use when we are debating and some of the rules.

We started with designing our debating tshirts in pairs so that we can use them in the “washing line” debate next week.

Watch this space for our first debating topic.

Primary 5, Primary 6, Uncategorized

P5/6 Growth Mindset

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We have been talking about how important it is to be positive and work out our brains.

We watched 2 videos about Mojo who wanted to give up when he found something too hard and when he made mistakes. We found that our brain is a muscle and we need to exercise it and learn from our mistakes.

We’re starting to use phrases to help our minds and brains grow.  We are using “I can’t do it yet” rather than “I can’t do it”.

We’ve created a display with what we can do and what we can’t do yet.image