Using Science to Understand our World- Reversible and Irreversible Changes

In class we have been learning about matter. We have learned that all things can be classified into 5 states of matter: solids, liquids, gases, plasma and Bose-Einstein Condensates. All things are built of molecules, made up of atoms and bonds; we made some of these using marshmallows! Molecules can be tasty!

Now we are learning about physical and chemical changes. Physical changes are reversible. They occur when the change can be reversed because the molecules haven't actually been changed. Chemical changes happen the molecules are actually changed and the changes are irreversible.

Have a look at these two BBC School Science Clips to gain a better understanding!

When you have finished, add a comment to tell us what you have learned.

Room 3 Calendar Art -BUY ME!

Our calendar art looks awesome! Please purchase our calendar to support our school fundraiser! They will make awesome gifts, calendars and spectacular diaries! Room 3 Calendar Art 2013... SPECTACULAR! on PhotoPeach

Using Science to Understand Our World!

Today we began learning about our Inquiry Topic for this term: Properties and Changes of Matter. "What does that mean?" I hear you ask! Well, we played a game today called 20 Questions, a game where you figure out what it is that the person is thinking, by first asking if it is classified as Animal, Vegetable or Mineral.
This led us to a discussion about how humans have worked hard over thousands of years to classify objects into categories. Some classifications we came up with were:
-Edible or not? (Handy if you are a caveman!)
-Living or non-living?
-Hard or soft?
-Solid, Liquid or Gas?

Then we learned that ancient civilisations, all around the world, once classified things into the elements: Earth, Air, fire, Wind and Water; some also had spirit/life force, something that can't be seen.
Over time, we learned that, science evolved and the classification of solid, liquids and gases were discovered. Later came plasma (handy in TVs, but not so handy to cavemen!), and in the 1920s Bose and Einstein discovered BEC (Bose-Einstein Codensates... very complicated, but Shannyn is finding out more!).

In the 1700's a French Scientist, Antoine Lavoisier, developed his ideas about the Periodic Table and became known as the 'Father of Modern Chemistry'. Tomorrow we will learn more about the periodic table, molecules (using marshmallows and toothpicks, and have a play on this tool:

Until then, adios amigos!

Click to Run

Pluto- planet or not?

Inquiry- Astronomical Phenomena- Aurora

We will also be learning about the amazing and spectacular phenomenon called Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis.
Here's a video to inspire you. What can you find out about what causes Aurora, and where they are been seen from?

Inquiry- Astronomical Phenomenon: TIDES

How do tides work? We watched this You Tube video using a pickled onion, a piece of string, an orange and a biscuit to find out...
Once you have watched, can you draw your own diagram to explain-

• how tides work?
• what causes a spring tide?
• what causes a neap tide

Perhaps you could grab some items out of the cupboard and explain to someone else at home!

We also learned that the bulge on the other side of the Earth to the moon is caused by centrifugal force. We felt centrifugal force by holding hands and spinning in a circle. Then we spun a bucket full of water around over our heads, but didn't get wet! You should try it at home..., in fact, try and get mum to do it!

Printmaking- Nigel Brown Style

In Room 3 we are learning about print making. Today we looked at artworks by NZ artist, Nigel Brown. Nigel Brown uses painting and printmaking, and draws his inspiration from NZ 'kiwiana', history and relationships. We are creating our own printing blocks using cardboard and glue, and will then print them and collate them together to create an artwork that reminds us of this Nigel Brown artwork.

Cyber Safety: Chat Rooms

Today in ICT we talked about Cyber Saftey and keeping ourselves safe in chat rooms.

We decided chat rooms can be a great place to keep in touch with family and friends, and places to learn and share ideas. BUT they can also be dangerous places.

Ways we brainstormed to keep ourselves safe are-

• Don't have computers in bedrooms, instead have them in a family room where mum or dad can keep an eye on you.
• If you see something you don't like or you think is unsafe, tell an adult.
• If someone asks to meet you, tell your mum or dad, or someone older who can help you.
• If someone is nasty or rude to you you can report them to the creators of the website.
• Ask yourself 'Would me parents be happy about this?' If the answer is no, then do not do it!

We watched this video and can't wait to share it with our parents so we can see what happens!

Go Animate

Go Animate! by room3ncs on GoAnimate

In Room 3 ICT today we are learning to use a website called Go Animate to make fun and easy animations to convey a message. We then copy and paste the html script onto our own blogs. Fun!

Welcome back to Term Two!

Hi Room 3!

I'll be back tomorrow bright eyed and bushy tailed after an early night tonight! I hope you will all be getting an early night too so you are ready for a term of science fair action!

Here is a photo for you of Corey, myself and our wedding party having our photos taken up the Motueka River after flying in the helicopter from Wakefield where we got married, and one in the pouring rain (which they say is good luck on your wedding day... what do you think?!)

I am now Mrs Fiona Madill, nee McDonald, but as usual you smashing kids can still call me Fiona :)

See you all tomorrow!