Indus International Inquiry

Monday, April 4, 2011

DEBATES

Students debated the topic "Should construction be stopped?"

Pros and cons of this topic were individually thought out by students and then they took sides in the debate. Many relevenat and interesting points emerged in the debate showing that students could look at complex issues in a multifacted way. (E.g, Why not have large families in one house, or in high rise buildings)

The rules of debating were strictly followed, allowing each student to present their veiwpoint and then each group could present their rebuttals.

Sharing with RECEPTION

Students of Grade 4 interacted with Reception students and in simple language, attempted to explain the models they had made showing different types of homes in different environments. The little students asked some questions and were attentive listeners. Both these grades were learning about homes in their Grade level units of Inquiry. It was a perfect opportunity to enhance learning. Grade 4 students also reinforced their undesrstanding through their thoughtful explanations.

Reception

Construction Dynamix - Visit to Brick Kiln

Properties of Matter

As Grade 4 delved into the states of matter, the changes of state, the different properties of materials, our students learned first hand at the local brick kiln, the process of converting mud into a durable and strong brick. They saw the mould used to cast the brick and the process of baking these at a high temperature for approximately 3 months. Student questions were translated and answered by the workers at the kiln. Students also tested the strength of the raw brick vs a baked brick and saw the change in properties. They also observed the chemical change in burning wood to get charcoal.

Trip to brick kiln

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Eng HW 1st -7th Feb Reference site for History of debates

Debating - Briefly review the history of debates (go through the given Timeline link for an idea of the type of topics people debated, and also how far back in history did debates begin), and in your Eng HW book write your thoughts about why you think debates are important, and how will debating help you. (approx 50 words)
Time line link:
http://www.google.co.in/search?q=famous+debate+in+history&hl=en&prmd=ivns&tbs=tl:1&tbo=u&ei=tV9FTcaWIoPKrAftmrkx&sa=X&oi=timeline_result&ct=title&resnum=11&ved=0CGsQ5wIwCg#q=famous+debate+in+history&hl=en&sa=X&tbs=tl:1,tl_num:20&prmd=ivns&psj=1&ei=319FTZLEA87MrQfKtbRV&ved=0CGQQywEoAg&fp=1&cad=b

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Tuning in into new unit: Construction Dynamix

Students were given PLACEMATS with images of different environments such as desert, snow, etc. With the given resources, students in groups created houses appropriate for that environment. As you can see from the pictures, students displayed creativity and logic to make apt structures. Each student contributed to the group by taking on a role such as resource manager, discussion manager, recording manager, etc. The houses showcase students' knowledge about the world around them and their skills in optimising the resources provided.

Students later reflected on what they think they will learn in this unit and wrote central ideas of their own. It is indeed amazing, how close they were to the Central Idea of the unit.
Construction Dynamix tuning in!!