From solid to liquid, from liquid to gas...

Upper Primary pupils are learning a lot about the properties of materials. Different science experiments are helping them think critically and learn. They have now turned solids into liquids by melting them. And then pupils have tried to think whether these liquids can be turned into solids again or not. Pupils have also mixed solids with liquid and observed carefully. They have noted chemical reactions as well as physical reactions. They have started to use words like reversible and irreversible when discussing the changes they see. Words are added to their Marvellous Materials Glossary the whole time.

The best experiment, according to Upper Primary pupils, was when we spent a whole morning in the school kitchen. Like we said in our last blog “Baking is science for hungry people”. So, we made muffins and pupils observed with scientific eyes to be able to comment on what happened when we mixed different solids and liquids and then what happened to the mixture when we put it in the oven. Pupils drew illustrations and wrote comments about the muffin-making process.

“The sugar dissolved in the butter.” (Mieke)

“(Beating the sugar, butter and eggs) introduced air into the mixture. I could see the bubbles.” (Kaaru)

“The molecules in the mixture will start to move about.” (Stefan)

“It rises because we put baking powder in it.” (Diba)

Upper Primary pupils are also learning how to independently work with experiments and then write up a science report. Fair testing is important, they know that, but it is still difficult for them to explain in words what steps are taken and what the results are. The pupils enjoy experimenting and hopefully they tell about these experiments at home as well, sharing their learning.

Pupils are now finishing off their art work connected to Kensuke’s kingdom. They now know how the book ended… I had just put the book down when pupils asked what book I would start reading next! Upper Primary pupils love books.

Two more weeks of school, and then it is Christmas Holidays. Upper Primary pupils are working on many small projects that need to be finished off before then, so every day is important in our classroom! Pupils are writing, counting, calculating, reading, taking notes, thinking, learning, dancing, singing… It is busy, busy, busy! Luckily we ended this week with a nice surprise when Saint Nicholas came to visit us!