Term 4
Term 4 is always an exciting time in the Grade 5/6 building. Students will be choosing a Genius Hour project to investigate. The idea of this project is for the students to stretch themselves as learners and to really get themselves into 'The Learning Pit' (ask them about the Learning Pit video).
We will be learning to identify what will make a powerful project.
All Genius Hour work will be done at school.
Criteria for a powerful project:
You will be required to use a planning template to cover all aspects of the planning process.
We will be learning to identify what will make a powerful project.
All Genius Hour work will be done at school.
Criteria for a powerful project:
- You need to choose a topic that you know SOMETHING about, but not all.
- Your investigation must be in the form of a question.
- The answer can not be found by simply asking Google.
- You must use at least one primary source.
- Your project should make a positive difference to either yourself or others.
- You must stretch yourself as a learner.
You will be required to use a planning template to cover all aspects of the planning process.
- You will be required to present your proposal as ‘The Pitch’ in front of your peers to ensure it covers all of the criteria above.
- Your project requires ‘approval’ from your teacher before you can begin.
- You must keep a Learning Journal to document your project and learning.
- Your project will be presented to the school community.
Term 3
Term 3 will begin with a continuation of our Sustainability unit as we design and build our models. Students will use a combination of solar panels, motors and 3D printing to make either a solar panel car or a working windmill model. They will also make either a waste model (worm farm or compost) or a biodiversity diorama. These models will be complemented by explanation labels and texts. Scale drawings of our models will form part of the design process. Later in the term, we will be studying an exciting unit, 'How does having a curious mind advance technology?' which will incorporate coding, Makey-Makey, 3D printing, Beebots and Raspberry Pi. Our visits to the STEM room will also involve coding of the Lego MindStorm robots.
Term 2
This term we will be exploring the question 'Why is design important for sustainability?' We will be learning about water, waste, energy and biodiversity and our role in the world's production and use of resources. An excursion to CERES will be held later in the term to learn first-hand about resources and our impact on the environment. Students will have the opportunity to explore mini projects at school to learn about an area of interest within the topic of Sustainability.
Term 1
To start the term we are looking at 'What Makes a Positive Classroom?' This includes thinking carefully about our behaviour, classroom expectations and what attitudes we bring to school and our work. We are looking at how we can treat each other respectfully so that we can all learn, feel safe and enjoy our time at school. We are also looking at setting learning goals for ourselves and the importance of having a growth mindset. Asking questions is a good sign that you are curious about your learning and are trying to understand new things. Sometimes new skills can take a lot of practice to master.
We have been learning about our Positive Education PERMAH model - how different elements come together to help us to be the best that we can be.
Positive Emotions - How we feel and our attitude to tasks makes a big difference to our input and our success. We should always try to look on the bright side and see mistakes as a way of learning, not as a negative.
Engagement - If we feel interested and engaged and make a point of trying to learn something new, we are more likely to make connections.
Relationships - By getting to know each other, we can support each other and all feel connected and part of the team.
Meaning - How can we help each other in the classroom? How can we help other students in the school? How can we help other people in our community?
Accomplishment - We feel joyful, happy and grateful when we can give back.
Health - What does it mean to be healthy? How does food, exercise, sleep, water and mindfulness affect us?
We will be looking at the individual difference we can make to our own mindfulness and health by studying how we exercise, what we eat and the amount of sleep we have.
Our following unit will be 'How Does Government Work in Australia?' The essential understandings we will be covering include:
We have been learning about our Positive Education PERMAH model - how different elements come together to help us to be the best that we can be.
Positive Emotions - How we feel and our attitude to tasks makes a big difference to our input and our success. We should always try to look on the bright side and see mistakes as a way of learning, not as a negative.
Engagement - If we feel interested and engaged and make a point of trying to learn something new, we are more likely to make connections.
Relationships - By getting to know each other, we can support each other and all feel connected and part of the team.
Meaning - How can we help each other in the classroom? How can we help other students in the school? How can we help other people in our community?
Accomplishment - We feel joyful, happy and grateful when we can give back.
Health - What does it mean to be healthy? How does food, exercise, sleep, water and mindfulness affect us?
We will be looking at the individual difference we can make to our own mindfulness and health by studying how we exercise, what we eat and the amount of sleep we have.
Our following unit will be 'How Does Government Work in Australia?' The essential understandings we will be covering include:
- Australia has a democratic government.
- Voting is an important part of a democratic government.
- Our three levels of government have different roles and levels of responsibility.
- There is a system to develop and enforce law within Australia.
- Australian citizens have a right to participate in groups to achieve shared goals.
- Australian citizens have rights.
Various activities will enable students to explore how the systems of government work in Australia with real-life visits by some of our local members.