Category Archives: Maths & Numeracy
Symmetry in P1
LI
We are learning to recognise and create a symmetrical pattern
SC
I can identify a symmetrical pattern
I can make a pattern that is symmetrical
This week we have been learning about symmetry.
We first noticed symmetry when we were observing our butterflies.
We looked especially carefully at the position of the different shapes and colours on each wing. There was something really interesting about their wings. Perhaps you can ask us to describe what we saw!
We discovered this was called symmetry.
We decided to investigate further!
First, we looked for examples of symmetry around us. We found quite a few!
Next, we explored interactive games and activities to help us learn even more.
Finally, we created our own symmetrical patterns using bricks, pegs, pattern blocks and shapes.
We worked very hard and created some fantastic designs.
Measuring fun in the sun!
We are learning to compare and order measurements of different objects-MNU 1-11a.
In P3 this week, we have been learning about different types of measurement.
We started by getting into groups and brainstorming creative ideas for things that are heavier than a hippo, smaller than your fingernail, longer than a football pitch and lighter than a sandwich.
We came up with some great ideas!
“4,000 pieces of paper stuck together”- Georgia.
“A speck of dust”- Adam.
Then, we learned more about length, weight and capacity and the different measuring tools you can use to measure. We found out more about length, weight and capacity and the metric system that is used to record measurements.
When learning about length in real life, we went outside and recorded the length of different objects and distances within our school playgrounds and trim trail. We used rulers, metre sticks, measuring tapes and trundle wheels to record in millimetres (mm), centimetres (cm) and metres (m).
When finding out more about weight, we measured in grams (g) and kilograms (kg) and used different scales. We recorded the weight of books, pencil cases and even our own bodies!
Finally, within groups, we measured in millilitres (ml) and litres (l) to find out more about capacity. We had a speed challenge to see which group could fill their container quickest with water. We discussed why certain containers filled quicker and what would make it a fair challenge.
“If the containers were all the same size”- Oliver.
“If we could all use cups to collect the water”- Nathan.
“We would all have to be the same distance from the tap”- Theo.
Before we went to lunch, we had to complete a ‘bus pass’ of information on measurement to get out and onto the bus for lunch.
We have really enjoyed learning about measure and discussing how it is real and meaningful in our own lives.
P1 Transition
Nursery children have enjoyed teaming up with Primary 1 to create their own butterfly. They worked cooperatively to design and plan their beautiful butterflies. Thank you to Primary 1 staff and pupils for making us feel so welcome. 
STEM Open Morning
This morning, MCPS opened its doors to parents, carers and friends in order for pupils to exhibit their learning through our STEM (Sciences, Technologies, Engineering ad Mathematics) contexts for learning. This included:
P1: The Garden
P2-3: The Great Deserted Island
P4-5: Project Planetarium
P6-7: CSI
Our guests spent time in their children’s classes taking part in a wide range of activities including; designing space crafts of the future, information sessions, demonstrations, Science investigations and lots more.
We also used this time to ask parents for their input into our Curriculum Rationale, the the results of which will be shared soon.
Thank you to everyone who came along to support the event.
Caterpillars
The children are amazed at how quickly our caterpillars are growing.
We are making our own caterpillars at art and craft. We are using mathematical language when we are measuring them.
Beebots
The nursery pupils are developing problem solving strategies, navigation and co-ordination skills. The children can navigate the Beebot to selected square by going forwards/backwards.
A New Family in the Nursery
The children have been very excited to meet The Grass Head Family. They conducted a science experiment to see if they could grow grass seeds using old tights, compost, grass seeds, cardboard eyes, yoghurt pots and string. MEET THE GRASS HEAD FAMILY.
We are measuring our plants on a daily basis. The children will enjoy cutting and styling the hair once it has grown enough.
Anytime, Anywhere Learning: Socrative
Yesterday, Primary 5 used Socrative to demonstrate our learning about space and our Solar System. We completed a ‘Space Race’ which involved us being put into teams and racing to answer 25 questions all about what we have been learning about through our IDL context, Project Planetarium. We were able to track our progress on the SMART Board, which definitely encouraged us to be quick and accurate with our answers.
Today we expanded our use of Socrative, using it to demonstrate our knowledge of fractions during a mental maths warm up. We had to answer a range of different styles of questions including multiple choice and true or false. We’re looking forward to exploring other ways we can use Socrative in our classroom.
Talking about Tenths!
We are learning to understand what a tenth means.
- I can describe and record tenths in a variety of different ways and can locate them on a number line.
- I can create and identify tenths of shapes & can find tenths of numbers.
In Primary 4 we have been learning about tenths in a range of ways. We know that a fraction means equal parts and that we can use our knowledge of the ten times table to help us find a tenths.
We were set the challenge of drawing a tenths number line. We used each others mistakes to get it write in the end, remembering that ten tenths is the same as 1 whole. Then we took it in turns to call out fractions and find them on the number line. We recognised that five tenths are equivalent to one half.
We used coloured counters to make a tenth number line in class, this helped us recognised that tenths are 10 equal parts.
Pizza fractions helped us to find a fraction of a shape.
We used Sum Dog to help us develop accuracy of our 10 times tables and and we also completed written tasks to find tenths of a number and shape.
Helping at home:
- Ask us our 10 times table.
- Ask us what is one tenth of a number, for example: ‘What is one tenth of 120?’
