For the last few weeks we have been learning how to use the 4 features of narrative writing (setting, characters, complication, resolution) to full effect in our writing.
This week we used some motivational pictures from the book "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick" by Chris Van Allsburg to write about.
We then recorded parts of our stories using Vocaroo, an online recording widget. Click on the Class of 2010 link to the right. Then click on each students name to hear them read part of their "Mystery" story.
The main investigation this term in Room 7 is on the 3 states of matter. We have been learning, or will be learning about:
What the 3 states of matter are;
what makes them different;
what can make one type of matter change into another type of matter;
what types of reactions are temporary (physical change) or permanent (chemical change)
Recently we explored how solids and liquids can interact, cause a reaction and change into a gas. We discovered that this sort of reaction is permanent (it can't change back) so it is called a 'chemical reaction'.
After we repeated the 'demonstration', we made a modification to the original experiment, made a hypothesis on what we think would happen, and conducted an experiment to find out what effect our changes would make.
We learned that to make this type of chemical reaction, we need to mix an acid with a soda (carbonate). The chemical reaction releases the Carbon Dioxide ( CO2) that was inside the soda.
For the last few weeks on a Thursday, Room 7 have been working with our Performing Arts teacher, Mrs Hooke, learning all about different dance styles and techniques. Room 7 will be presenting the dance to the school at this Friday's assembly.
On Monday afternoon, we started our Science investigation for the term - Temporary and Permanent Changes. We firstly looked at Chemical reactions, and what can make them. We looked at the 'fizz inflater' video on the Year 3-4 Science wiki...
... which showed that an acid (vinegar) and a carbonate (baking soda) can make a gas (carbon dioxide, Co2) if mixed.
Can we make Co2 in other situations?
We made Hokey Pokey to find out. We heated Golden Syrup in a flask until it bubbled. We then mixed in baking soda and stirred as the mixture frothed up. The frothing was the baking soda releasing all of it's carbon dioxide gas.
Due to popular demand, below is a Hokey Pokey recipe much better than the one we used on Monday!
Ingredients
5 Tbsp Chelsea White Sugar 2 Tbsp Chelsea Golden Syrup 1 tsp baking soda
Method
Put Sugar and golden syrup into a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring constantly until Chelsea Sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and bring to the boil. Boil for two minutes. Stir occasionally, if necessary, to prevent burning. Remove from heat. Add baking soda. Stir quickly until mixture froths up. Pour into a buttered tin immediately. Leave until cold and hard. Break into pieces.
