Firstly we had a visit from Judith McDougal from the Eastbourne Dune Society. She spent a whole session with us discussing all of the work that she, and the Society, have been doing to restore and protect the sand dunes. We learned about the value of planting native dune plants because they keep the sand from being eroded by the ocean and winds.
The best part was exploring all of the different species of flora and fauna on our local beaches. In particular, the dunes create habitats for skinks and penguin to nest in.
Jude has asked the Yr5&6 syndicate to adopt a part of the dunes. We will be responsible for their protection, restoration and maintenance.
We also completed our Inquiry models and information posters about the Tarawera and Vesuvius eruptions. Our buddies enjoyed coming in to see them.
I am thoroughly impressed with the details the children included- such as showing hat type of eruption occurred and what the surrounding landscape and towns looked like.
Another exciting experience the children are loving is the chance to design and build their own 'Eruption Proof' house. This design had to be based on all of the knowledge the children have about what occurs during an eruption and how this could effect their house. For example: there are usually earthquakes during the eruption, therefor the house needs to be quake safe. Also Lava flows and mud flows can move as fast as a tsunami, so the house has to be aero dynamic to allow the flow to pass over, or under the structure. Flat roofs were a 'no-no' as they can collapse under the weight, therefore the children had to think of shapes and ways of reducing these risks. This was great for encouraging 'cause and effect' thinking.
We designed the structures first and today we began to build them. Here are a fe snaps.
Next week is Brain Week.... that will be another exciting adventure!!
1 comment:
That is so fun (: !!!!
From Charlotte.G.
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