Blair Drummond Safari Park June 2017

Stem challenge day

We have recently had our most recent stem challenge. We have been learning about wind power and the advantages and disadvantages of it. We looked at the mechanisms and discussed the pros and cons of the designs. 

Some of us used card. Others used knex to help create the mechanism and cogs. Here are some of the designs

Dear Mrs McCormick

In class, we have been learning how to write persuasive letters. The topic of these letters was our teacher for next year. We had to write a letter to Mrs McCormick trying to persuade her of which teacher we should have.

We learned:

• How to set out a letter correctly
• How to use persuasive language like "You must" instead of "You could"
• How to use flattery " We realise you are very busy and hardworking"
• How to use a subordinate clause (Backwards sentence) e.g. I would like Mr Clark as my teacher eventhough I have had him before. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Eventhough I have had him before, I would like Mr Clark as my teacher.

P6

The Black Magic in Ink

Recently in P6, we have been carrying out experiments to help us improve our scientific report writing. The most recent experiment we did was to investigate the colours hidden in a black felt pen (not permanent).

We used

Coffee filter paper
water
a beaker
a black felt pen (Not permanent)

1) We carefully cut the filter paper into a circle, then drew a black dot in the centre
2) We then placed the paper into the beaker of water, making sure it was only just touching the water.
3) Next, observed

We discovered that when the water soaked up through the paper and made contact with the ink, the ink separated into lots of colours. When we tried it with a permanent marker the colours did not separate

Building Bridges (The spaghetti challenge)

This week our Stem challenge was to build a bridge out of spaghetti and cellotape (other brands are available). It had to be over 10 cm off the ground. It had to be freestanding. We had to make the bridges wide enough to sit the weights on it. Some We also had the equipment we had and weren't allowed any extras.

Our bridges needed to be strong enough to hold weight. Some of us used support beams in the middle to allow heavier objects to be placed on them. Others created A frames, while others used triangluar supports to stop them collapsing.

Remembrance Day Wreaths

P6/5 made wreaths for Remembrance Day.  Some of us will be bringing them home. 

The Super Six's STEM

The Super Six's STEM

Last week we learned lots of different things in our STEM lesson. We learned about temperature, insulation and also how to put information into line graphs.

The first thing we did was split into small groups of 3/4/5. Next, we boiled the kettle to 100 degree celsius (Boiling point). Mr Clark then carefully added the water into each of our containers. Some of the containers were covered in different materials like

• Fabric
• bubble wrap
• polystyrene

We also had a glass and a very big plastic container. We then put the thermometer in the hot water and measured the temperature every minute for 10 minutes, taking it out carefully try not to touch the sides. The first time we had no cover. The second, we covered to stop heat escaping out the top. We noticed the boards heated up and condensation formed on the bottom of the board as the steam condensed.

OUR RESULTS

The water in every container decreased in temperature. Our biggest tub decreased the quickest. While the ones that were wrapped up and covered held their heat better.