Days 24-28 19th-23rd September 2011

We began our summative task which was  integration of numeracy, literacy and unit of inquiry. We had to design a machine to solve the problem chosen, write the measurement of the design and also make an instruction manual to operate the machine. We also developed a checklist to assess our work. It was an interesting task to think of various solutions to solve the problem, compare the best two using a graphic organiser and then draw the final design. Translating our design into models using clay, cardboard or thermocol was fun. We finally shared presented our models and explained how they would work. We also identified the simple machines used in making our machines. The unit culminated with our reflection of the summative task using the PMI ( Plus, minus and interesting) strategy and of the entire unit using 2 star  and a wish.

Days 19-23 12th-16th September 2011

Today, we played an online game on simple machines. I found most of them very easy but some of the questions were difficult too. It helped us to revise all the simple machines we have learnt so far. We also gave finishing touches to our presentations on different sources, forms and types of energy. We watched some of the presentations by our class mates. We also understood the structure of an atom. The inner part of an atom is known as nucleus. It is made up of neutrons and protons. The orbit around the nucleus has something called electron. We continued with sharing information about different sources, forms and types of energy through our presentations and gained a lot of new knowledge. We self assessed our understanding on PYP elements and the unit through an interesting activity called, Mountain, Jungle and River. All students who were confident of their knowledge and understanding about these had to stand in the mountain area, those who were some what sure, in the jungle area and those who were not sure of their understanding had to stand in the river area. While some stood in the mountain area, some stood in the jungle area but nobody stood in the river. Then those who were in the mountain area answered questions put up the people in jungle area, clarified their doubts and helped them move to the mountain. We were also introduced to the summative task which required us to choose a problem scenario, design and make the model of a machine to solve that problem.

By Mitaali, Samira and Aashna

Day 14-18 4th - 8th September 2011

Students decided to take over the reign of blogging from the teacher and write the reflections week wise. Here it is from Aashna, Aadarsh, Adit  and Aaryam-

Today  we presented our research on different types of simple machines and shared information gathered with each other. we continued presenting our research findings on the second day too. After the presentations, we collated the information gathered in a collation sheet. 

Most exciting was the visit to the Design and Technology lab of the senior school. We were divide into two groups. James and Pranjal Sir showed us power point presentation on four different types of motion and simple machines. They are linear, reciprocatory, rotary and oscillatory. We were then given a piece of wood and we had to put a nail into the wood with a hammer and then take it out with the pliers. We also had to make a hole with the drill machine. We were also shown some machines and learnt how they worked. Praveen Sir demonstrated their working. We learnt that when using the machines, you have to wear a coat/apron and safety goggles to protect our eyes. The visit was very exciting and interesting. We can't wait to do DT in Grade 6!

We saw a power point presentation on Simple Machines and work and did our assessment. We learnt the scientific meaning of work. It means to move an object over a distance using some force. 

We started the third line of inquiry by learning about energy through an activity, reading through the fact sheet and discussion. We learnt about different sources, forms and types  of energy after which we chose to research on either a sources, form or type of energy and present the information through a poster/collage.

Days 9-13 - 29th August -2nd September 2011

Students continued researching about different kinds of Simple Machines in groups. They collated their work, listed down different ways to present their work like Booklet, Newspaper, Power point presentation, Chart/Poster, Drama, Puppet Show and chose one to present their work to the rest of the class. They also developed parameters to assess their research as well as their final presentation and evaluated both using those parameters.