Our enquiry focus for this half term is problem solving.  Problem solving in science involves children thinking creatively to implement a solution to a problem from a scientific perspective. It often includes and is centred on a ‘big question’ for children to investigate. Our big question in Team CB was “What is the best structure to protect an egg from breaking?”  Using a basic set of supplies, in teams the class had to collectively design and create a holder for an egg that would be dropped from a given height. The class had time to create an initial design before we went outside to test our structures. We had some success but some structures needed further refinement. As such, the class were given time to problem solve and make amendments to their design, taking what they had learned from successful designs. We then tested a second time where we had a higher rate of success in protecting the egg. To conclude the session, we discussed what structures worked best and discussed the need for “absorption”, “compactness” and “security”. 

​This half term, Team LF have focussed on sound. They were given the challenge of using their knowledge of sound (including pitch and loudness) to design and create their own instruments. Each group had to think carefully about how their instrument would make quiet, loud, high and low sounds. Through using junk modelling items, the class worked in small teams to design, make and evaluate their instruments (string, wind or percussion). 

This half term the amazing scientists in Team JF were presented with a problem. They received a letter from some very upset goats pleading for their help! The goats had their bridge destroyed and couldn't get to the field as the mean troll was stopping them! 

Team JF knew they had to help! They decided to design the trolls a new bridge to get them across to safety. 

The children had to think really carefully about the design of their bridge to ensure it was suitable to cross. First we looked at a range of designs from curved, straight, narrow and wide bridges. From this we studied the materials they were made from and started our creations! 

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