A highlight of this week was our visiting engineer, Colin Murch.

He gave a very interesting talk about some of the different types of engineers. He then let us experiment joining up all sorts of different types of materials. Some students put into practice what they had learned previously, such as making sure the base was wide to make it stable. Some students made a truss like structure, that was strong. What the students learned will help them revise some of their ideas for their dog house.

Some people tested out different shapes to satisfy ourselves that the triangle is the strongest shape:

 Some people built a truss structure into a triangular shape, reasoning that if triangles are strong then multiple triangles will be even stronger:

We had a lot of different materials to choose from:

We started to imagine and to build:

We got help and advice along the way:

Our structures improved and got more complex:

We summarized what we learned about. Ask me what a load is and what some different types of loads are:

It was a lot of fun and we also learned a lot.

We talked a lot about the new style entry in the morning. One point that the students found it hard to understand was that they cannot be outside unless you, as their parent, are supervising them. The supervisors at the doors cannot have eyes on all the areas outside, they are there to receive students into the building. We are excited to try this new style entry. Please discuss with your child.

Important Housekeeping:

Water walk on Monday afternoon. I have had no volunteers for this walk, which is fine as between the four classes, we do have enough. But I REALLY need volunteers for the bridge walk that will  be happening Downtown on the 26th of this month. If we do not get the required quota, we will not be able to go.

For Monday's walk, please ensure your child has appropriate footwear and clothing as we plan to go whatever the weather (within reason!)

New entry system begins on Monday morning.

If you have not yet booked a spot for student led conferences, please do so as soon as you can before the spots fill up. So far only half the class has signed up, but some popular spots have already been filled. Remember that your child must attend as they will be leading you through their work.