Anjli's Operation Big Science Learning Story

Learners:  Anjli, Katherine, Justin & Gary                            Learning Coach: DWilkes                                                                            Learning Area: Science                                                                            Sept: August 2015

Learning Observed

Anjli, Katherine, Justin & Gary had a blast conducting Operation Big Science in Week 7.  Thanks to the New World kit of ingredients.  Lots of learning resources as well about the Types of Mixtures and Chemical Reactions in Baking.  The learners learned that cooking is scientific fun and that the science capabilities are for life.  After initially watching a short video explaining the difference between chemical and physical changes the learners were challenged to explore their curiosity by examining their materials and discuss their priori knowledge about the materials and cooking with them.  Then they collaboratively devised an experiment - a cooking experiment, using the ingredients they selected.  First they identified a question and then a hypothesis- making connections to their prior knowledge.  As a group they needed to plan their method too.  During the cooking they made observations- noting what they notice, think and wonder.  Anjli did well to lead the experiment. They also practiced their capability at measuring while completing their recipe.  It was collaborative and delicious!

Evidence of learning

Operation Big Science - Video

Next Learning Steps

complete their Operation Big Science experiment plan with observations and explanations write a reflective blog post about the experience use more specific measurements when writing a recipe give detailed observations about what you noticed before, during and after tent on the LH1 blog post about Operation Big Science

Tallest Tower Technology Challenge - Learning Story - August 2015

Learners:  Anjli & Taanvi                                       Learning Coach:  Ms Wilkes

Learning Area: Science and Technology                        Date: August 2015

Learning Observed

Taanvi and Anjli were 2 of four learners who initially showed interest in representing OrmPS at a technology challenge at Point View Primary School on August 26.  They met each Friday for a new challenge.  Their first challenge was to make the tallest free-standing tower they could using only the materials they were provided with:  5 sheets of paper, 6 straws, 30cm tape, 2 pipe cleaners, a couple of popsicle sticks and their imagination.  There was a time limit and they were up against the girls!  Anjli and Taanvi strategised together before they started building showing some fantastic problem solving and an ability to pre-plan.  They also made adjustments as they went demonstrating that they were resilient and could respond as needed.  They used the materials wisely and tried to keep the brief at the forefront- great effort.

Evidence of learning

Anjli and Taanvi go head to head against Justin & Nelvin in our first Technology Challenge!

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Anjli and Taanvi participated and contributed enthusiastically, relating well to each other and managing themselves.  They used strong thinking strategies to maximize the use of their materials to strengthen and heighten their tower.  They collaborated strongly demonstrating an ability to listen to each other and communicate.  Their curiosity was evident in their design and although their design did not win they developed their capability at thinking and planning for technology challenges.

Next Learning Steps

continue to come and participate in challenges every Friday consider starting and leading a club for technology challenges in Term 4 practice for the competition! ensure that you always stop and think before making decisions write a blog post about this!