Yr5 Curriculum Update – 10/11/17
Working together to achieve success for every child
Our Transdisciplinary Unit of Inquiry: Sharing the planet
“Biodiversity relies on maintaining a balance within nature”
Our Unit of Inquiry has come to an end this week. Students have demonstrated their writing skills by explaining interdependence and biodiversity related to a chosen organism or environment. They have set themselves writing targets and used their skill of analysis to create the best piece of work they can.
As part of our commitment to Academic Honesty, we have been making sure that we record the sources of the information we have been reading. Action begins with research: we can’t help the environment until we know what it needs. Recording the books and websites that we have used to help us write shows our readers that we have not ‘just made it up’ and protects us from accusations of plagiarism.
What a fantastic opportunity for the Year 5s to take their learning outside of the classroom this week. It was 5Ms turn to meet Matt Glencross and rummage through a biodiversity hotspot in Sai Kung. Our wildlife expert talked us through the medicinal, folklore and cooking properties of various common plants found within the vicinity; some of which came in useful throughout our visit to help calm small insect bites.
The bushes, grass, stream and mangroves were buzzing with signs of a variety of wildlife. 5M engaged their observational skills and got their feet wet in their quest to identify the different animal species in three different areas of the stream: freshwater, brackish water and salt water. We discovered the mangrove trees’ secret survival techniques and why they are such an important part of the ecosystem.
The best part of the day was the adventures of the escaping Chinese bullfrogs! These bullfrogs were brought along by Matt to be released into the wild, but they were so keen to see their new environment, they made a daring escape right under 30 peoples’ eyes! Luckily (or unluckily), they were found and returned to their enclosure only to attempt another breakout later on. Unbelievably, one was again found on its way to the wilderness and was caught and returned a second time to its enclosure. Dharuka had the pleasure of releasing it into the stream later and we all watched it escape one final time into its new surroundings.
What a valuable way to learn about Hong Kong’s natural biodiversity and to encourage our students to become ‘Environmental Ambassadors for their Hong Kong. Let’s see what ‘Action’ the students will decide to take with their fresh respect for our environment.
Maths
We have begun an inquiry into how we measure the different attributes of the world around us. We have conducted a pre-assessment to discuss the different units of measure we use and find out what misconceptions we share. The Metric system for measure uses base ten and so is perfect for consolidating and applying our knowledge of the decimal place value system.
Opportunities for Home Learning:
Take advantage of your new-found passion for nature and get out and about. The weather is now perfect for hiking and nature trips. Hong Kong is rich in different biomes so grab a rucksack and go exploring. The Rainforest walks up in Tai Po Kau are a great example of ‘rewilding’ where biodiversity has been deliberately returned through the planting of native flora. Over the last 20 years or so, native animals have begun to thrive and the forest there is no longer silent.
Action in Year 5: over the next few weeks you will hopefully hear your child talk about action that they have or would like to take after their learning in this unit. As a PYP school we encourage thoughtful and socially responsible student action as this demonstrates an excellent understanding of the world and our children’s part in it. Following on from our unit of inquiry into children’s rights there were many different examples of action taken which included:
- raising awareness about children’s rights through presentations in assembly and games for other to play during break time.
- creating cards which give information about which companies have.
- attending a yoga class which was run for children with special needs.
- Student created comics sold to raise money for UNICEF.
- a school wide year 5 organised dress casual day for UNICEF.
The combined total raised for UNICEF from the comics and dress casual was over $18000. Any amazing effort, many thanks to the parents who supported students at home in taking action.
Upcoming dates for your diary:
- 28 Nov – 1 Dec Year 5 Camp
- 14 Dec – Y5 Sports Day (AM)
