This term the Junior School’s Inquiry topic was Materials and Their Purpose. The students experienced many different types of natural and man-made materials. They did activities to build their understanding of why and how materials are different and that they can be used for different purposes. Finally they explored which materials would be the most suitable for a particular purpose e.g. a bucket to hold water cannot be made from paper.

A major focus on this topic was knowing and understanding that the choices and actions we make impact on the environment and the ways in which we can be more sustainable with all resources. With this in mind the students’ in Jacqui/Lucy and Chantel’s grade used this knowledge to design and then create a new product out of something old. They were encouraged to choose a material from their recycling bin at home, and then repurpose it into something new at school.

There were lots of clever ideas – these kids are VERY creative! There was a Beanie Boo house, a signpost, a rocket and an aeroplane. Someone even made a pot plant holder out of an old shoe!

To celebrate this learning we held a Repurposed Objects Expo. The students wrote invitations to their parents, inviting them to this celebration. They also invited their buddy classes, Mel and Sharon, to share what they created. Using their plans, the new object and their reflection page, the students explained their thinking behind their object and answered lots questions from their parents and big buddies!