Students in ISN Elementary Class became field inquirers and ventured outdoors this week to investigate natural and man-made forces. On our excursion we walked to the high point of a mountain track just 10 minutes from our school. Students recorded the forces they saw including the changes people had made for survival, for entertainment and for inquiry: the Lala Swimming Complex was for entertainment; the solar panels were for survival; and the shed with boxes and the boxes under blue covers we think was for inquiry purposes. Concerning the boxes, we became thinkers to guess what they might be used for and we look forward to observing them again in Spring to see if our predictions were correct.
Today students took their studies about force to the gym. They enjoyed doing lots of physical tasks involving pushing and pulling against gravity. This afternoon for art we ventured out into the snow to create sculptures using the fresh snow to illustrate our ideas. Students had fun using force to push and pull the snow into their desired shapes. Everyone certainly showed lots of creativity and enthusiasm making a variety of shapes from chairs to snowmen and even a turtle.
This week we also showed the importance of being “principled”. We were fortunate to be able to talk with one of our new neighbours here in Shimauchi. Students discussed with our neighbour the importance of putting rubbish in the bin, being safe, and keeping our community tidy. Importantly students are also seeing the importance of respecting other people’s property.
We would also like to welcome Mr Rob one of our new teachers from Maine, USA. He is enjoying being in our class for the next few weeks and we are enjoying having his expertise in our investigations.
