Year 5 - Mrs Graves

Artemis II: Explore space in our interactive experience

Following on from Newround today and linking to our Science work, here is the link to the Artemis II experience. It’s an exciting time for space fans! Nasa is getting ready for a special 10-day space mission that will travel around the Moon with astronauts on board. The mission is called Artemis II and is part of Nasa’s Artemis programme. Its goal is to send astronauts back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. The mission is planned to launch in March, and you can take part too! Complete the space mission and earn your very own boarding pass. Blast off with Newsround’s Artemis II experience to learn all about the journey into space.

English Writing

In our English lessons this week, we have been looking at the difference between fact and opinion. We have been discussing why it is OK to have an opinion and that not everybody will have the same opinion as you.  Today, we have been exploring the question ‘Are polar bears really under threat from climate change?’

During our lesson, we were split into two groups and had to think of reasons for or against global warming. We then had to record our ideas ‘for’ or against’ and position ourselves into two lines. Our teacher, (who was unsure about how she felt about polar bears being under threat) walked down the middle of the two lines and heard all of our opinions. She then made a decision based on the reasons we gave her about global warming.

Pop Art

Year 5 have begun exploring Pop Art and learning about some famous Pop Art artists. They have created an ideas page in their art books to gather inspiration and record their thoughts. As part of this unit, they have also investigated colour by completing a colour wheel and discussing colour theory, including how different colours work together and create impact.

Computing

Today, our  class has been learning about binary code by linking it to the Mars rover Perseverance. We learned that binary code uses only 0s and 1s, which computers use because electronic signals can be switched on or off. The children will be learning how Perseverance relies on binary code to receive instructions from scientists on Earth, collect data, and send information such as photos and measurements back from Mars. By writing and decoding their own binary messages, the class will gain an understanding of how this simple system allows advanced technology like the Mars rover to operate millions of miles away, helping us explore and learn more about space.

Outer Dowsing Workshop

On Tuesday, Hedgehog Class joined an Outer Dowsing Workshop for the afternoon. They explored how varying blade designs impacted performance of wind turbines, encouraging scientific thinking through active experimentations. The class began by testing the efficiency of a windmill by lifting weights and then move onto generating electricity using a turbine.

Nene Valley Geography Field Trip

During our geography field trip to Nene Valley Park, we took part in an exciting day of hands-on learning. We began with pond dipping, using nets and trays to carefully collect and identify various freshwater creatures such as water beetles, pond snails, and tiny insect larvae. Afterwards, we moved on to a river study where we investigated the shape of the river channel and measured the speed of the water using dog biscuits as floating markers. However, our scientific efforts were briefly interrupted when a pair of curious swans decided the biscuits were a tasty treat and swooped in to eat them! Despite the unexpected feathered interference, we had a fantastic day exploring the outdoors and learning more about rivers and habitats in a fun and memorable way.

Soluble Materials

In class, we conducted an experiment to investigate which materials would dissolve in water. We gathered a variety of common substances, including salt, sugar, sand, flour, and baking soda. Working in small groups, we added each material to separate cups of warm water and stirred them carefully. We observed and recorded whether the material disappeared (dissolved) or stayed visible in the water. We discovered that salt and sugar dissolved, while baking powder, sand and flour did not. The experiment helped us understand the difference between soluble and insoluble materials, and we enjoyed making predictions and testing our ideas like real scientists.

Reading

Please remember that your child needs to be reading at home at least 3 times per week. This may be to an adult or independently. If, however, you child is reading independently, after they have read please ask her/him questions about what has been read and ask her/him to retell you the story in their own words. The children's reading journals are checked each Wednesday to make sure there are 3 signatures from home. There are extra Dojos for reading more often!

Science

We have begun our Science unit on Properties of Materials where the children will be learning how to compare and group materials, as well as suggesting materials for a given purpose based on their properties. Today we have been testing materials based on their hardness, transparency and their magnetism. Using the magnet was a particular favourite!
 

Homework reminder 

Similar to last year, your child will be set homework which links with the learning taking place within the classroom. We encourage you to support your child with the tasks which have been set, alongside listening to your child read at least three times a week. 

NB: If your child is struggling with their homework, please ask for help.

Maths

• Given out on a Monday -  to be handed in the following Monday.
• 10 minutes of TTRockstars each week (this will support your child's learning and overall understanding).

Reading

• Your child needs to read at least 3 times a week, with their reading record book signed by an adult.
• Your child’s reading book and records MUST be brought in daily, to monitor reading between home and school. We value any comments made by parents/ guardians in relation to reading.
• Reading records will be collected in every Wednesday to monitor that your child is reading to an adult at least 3 times per week with a signature to show this. 
• Reading at home, as well as school, is a fantastic way of supporting your child’s learning. Discussing books and providing meaningful reading opportunities outside the classroom

Spellings 

• Spellings and an activity will be given out each Friday, to be returned the following Friday to be tested.
• The activities are there to help your child understand the meaning of the word. 

P.E

• Monday - Indoor / Tuesday - Outdoor (weather permitted)
• Your child will need black/ navy shorts, white T-shirt, joggers and a long-sleeved top with plimsolls or trainers. 
• For safety reasons, pierced ears must be covered with tape provided from home, if unable to take out and long hair to be tied back. 

'Where everybody is somebody'