Our caterpillars have become beautiful butterflies. We are learning about their life cycle at art and craft using dried pasta.
Butterflies
Category Archives: Curriculum Areas
Sounds
At outdoor play, we have been making music using improvised instruments. The two lids make good cymbals and we can keep the beat with our drumsticks on the recycling bins. Archie and Rory are trying to send a message through the tube.
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.
Primary 6 break a Guinness World Record
On Thursday 2nd June, Primary 6 pupils traveled to the Almondvale football stadium to participate in a world record attempt.
The attempt was to break the record for the largest Djembe drum ensemble, sustained for five minutes.
After working very hard in our music workshops, we arrived to sit in the front two rows, in our purple baseball caps. Â We practiced the different sections and fills. Â The noise in the stadium was incredible with over 400 pupils all playing the different rhythms at the same time!
We had lots of pictures and video clips taken from a variety of places, including a drone cam!
After a tense few minutes while the stewards collated their information, Anna from “Officially Amazing” announced to the excited audience that we had broken the world record and sustained the performance for 6 minutes 20 seconds!
We were delighted! Â What an amazing experience and we are really looking forward to displaying our certificate proudly in our school.
(Thank-you to the parents/carers who were able to come along to the event to support us!)
Bye, Bye Butterflies!
LI
We are learning to recognise and describe the stages of the Butterfly Life Cycle
SC
 I can describe the changes I see using appropriate vocabulary
I can sequence pictures and create a diagram to show the Life Cycle of a butterfly
The last two weeks  have been very exciting in Primary 1. We have watched very carefully as our tiny, wriggly caterpillars have grown, formed chrysalises and eventually turned  into beautiful butterflies.
         
Last week we took the butterflies outside and released them in the garden.
Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see them as they fly around Mid Calder!
Mission 5 ready for lift off…
Learning Intention:
We are learning how to design a space craft of the future.
We are learning how to use a range of materials to create a space craft of the future.
Success Criteria:
I can work as part of a team to create a labelled design of a space craft of the future
I can work as part of a team to create a model of a space craft of the future
 A successful model will:
- Show an awareness of scale
- Be well constructed using a variety of materials
- Use appropriate colours
Mission 5 landed in Primary 5 last week, and we are happy to announce that it is ready for launch. We were challenged to design and create a space craft of the future. We began by watching two videos to help us to understand more about space crafts and how they operate.
After a little research, we discussed the idea of scale and technological developments and how we could incorporate these into our designs. We decided to draw our designs out on whiteboards before beginning our final diagram so that we could experiment and be creative.
When we were happy with our final sketches, we transferred this onto our design briefs, labeling each component and their function.
Next, we got to work on building our space crafts using recycled materials. We presented our finished products to the class, justifying our choices and explaining how we constructed our rockets.
Who knows, maybe one of our designs could end up being used by NASA! Watch this space…
The World’s Largest Djembe Drum Ensemble
Today Primary 6 were record breakers as they participated in The World’s Largest Djembe Drum Ensemble along with schools from across West Lothian. We are wearing purple hats!
http://youtu.be/BjrHy5moNGY
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. 
Health and Well Being in the nursery
The children are enjoying planning the snack menu on a weekly basis. This week it was the yellow group’s turn to choose. As it has been glorious sunshine this week the children have been busy creating their own shaded areas. 
