This week we have learned about the Archimedes’ Principle!  We have been investigating buoyancy and found that the best starting point to understand how things float, was to find out why they sink!  We learned that if an object is heavier that the water it would displace, then it will sink.  The water would then have to move out of the way to make room for the object – as the two things can’t be in the same space at the same time – which means that the water level would rise.  The fancy name for this is the Archimedes’ Principle!  We were able to identify examples of the Archimedes’ Principle in everyday life – such as the bath getting deeper when you sit down in it.

We investigated different materials to find out what would float and what would sink.  We learned why things float, even when they are made of a heavy material such as metal (eg a ship).  It’s all about the shape and the water they displace.  We used our knowledge to design and build our own boats out of plasticine, tin foil and cork.  The winning design managed to hold a magnificent 48 marbles before sinking down into the watery depths (of the sink!)  Well done to all groups, who worked together really positively and effectively this week.

We investigated factors which can affect buoyancy, such as adding salt to the water.  The effects were pretty cool!  I think everyone’s favourite was finding out what happened when you put raisins in fizzy water – do you think they sink or float??

In writing, we’ve been working on connectives.  Our mild and spicy challenge was to use connectives to join up two simple sentences to make a complex sentence.  Our hot challenge was to also use connectives at the beginning of sentences – we found this a lot trickier!  First, we worked on writing sentences using connectives, with a picture to help us.  We worked on using connectives to give ‘why’ and ‘when’ information.  We were then given a story start to continue.  We worked hard to remember to include adverbs and lots of WOW words, too.

In maths, our focus continues to be multiplication.  Some of us are now confident in multiplying two digit numbers by a one digit number, using the grid method.  Others have really improved the accuracy and speed of recall for 2 & 4 times tables facts, and are now using this to build up their 8 times table.  Miss Thomson has noticed a real improvement in presentation in maths jotters and is really pleased with this – well done, P5!

We finished our novel ‘Christophe’s Story’ in literacy, and we all really enjoyed it.  There were lots of sad parts to the story and it made us think about how difficult it must be to have to leave your home because it is no longer safe.

We have a very busy week next week!  Please remember that it is class Christmas parties on Wednesday 14th (PM)!  If you wish your child to go home to change, please let the school know (a wee note is fine) or children are very welcome to bring in party clothes to change into.  It would be great if clothes could have names on them so that we can match any items with their owners!

Have a great weekend.  Good luck to the choir for their performance at the Light Switch On tomorrow!