Fresh off How We Express Ourselves, we have plunged into a new Unit of Inquiry, How the World Works which is an investigation into the the natural world, about technological advances on society and the environment. More specifically, we are learning about the importance of minerals and metals, and consider their uses, their value and the impact of geology, both opportunities and challenges that minerals and metals present.
We began the week by doing some pre-assessments, to find out their current thinking about where metals and minerals come from. Naturally, many myths will be broken along the way. For example, one student believed that metals simply exist, and was unaware that they were mined. This week we began our investigation by looking at soil samples, to see what soil is made of. This week coming we will actually go out to take some "soil core samples" so that we can send them to "the lab" for content analysis. Of course, using the language of scientists (geologists) is an important part of our mission. In the language component for this UOI, the students will be researching and recording their findings about various minerals and metals (their properties, uses, and where they are found) and collating their information in our Rock Information Depository. In math we will focus on measuring weight and value (dollars). Finally, we will consider the ethical factors of mining, and consider how we can make wise choices. How the World Works promises to be a very engaging unit.
See the pictures below from the previous few days. They include some pictures from the elementary school Navruz celebration, as well as from our recent grade 3-5 assembly.
Have a great day!!
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