All the Medalists

This week in math classes we have been looking at data.  A huge amount of data is collected from the Olympics and today I showed you a short video comparing all of the medalists of the men’s 100-meter sprint across the last 116 years.  This has been compiled using a large amount of data. 

This was one of 3 such videos and I have provided the links to all of them below.

Men's 100-meter sprint

Men’s 100-meter freestyle 

Men's long jump

Spelling - Term 3, Week 5

You might enjoy practising your spelling words by playing a game or two. You'll find them here:

Large group spelling words

Small group spelling words

I'll look forward to seeing how well you do in your spelling test next week!

Symmetry

This week we spent time learning about symmetry.   Students took a camera out and explored their environment for examples of symmetry.  We discoved that there are examples of symmetry all around us.

This led to some interesting conversations about whether the things that were photographed did actually have symmetry or not and if they did what lines of symmetry did they have (horizontal, vertical and/or oblique).

How good are you at identifying lines of symmetry?  You might like to test yourself on this symmetry game.

We also learnt about rotational symmetry in maths and then went on to explore rotational symmetry in design during our art lesson.

Designed and created by Tom.

We used a design created by Tom to predict if his shape would have rotational symmetry and if so what 'order' it would have.   We then tested this by tracing around the outline of the shape and counting how many times the shape fit back into the outline as we rotated it a full turn.

You will find a website where you can create more rotationally symmetrical designs here: Rotational Symmetry Design.

[Math] Symbols on Maps

Today in class we spent time learning about the features of maps including symbols, a key (or legend) and scale.  Below you will find the link to the learning object 'Adventure Island' which helped us to learn about the symbols on a key.

Adventure Island - Interactive learning object.

How much in tips can you make on it?  How did you find out what the symbols on the map represent?

[Math] Place Value

Sometimes place value can seem a little tricky but once you get the hang of it it's really very easy.  Below you'll find a fun little activity to help you practice place value.   I'd love to hear how you go!

Place Value Game

Mrs Ross.

Hi all,
This does NOT mean that everyone can now complete their science work on Peregrine Falcons. A great effort Mrs Ross.

[Science] Peregrine Falcon

The Courier Mail described them as "About the size of a magpie. As fast as a Ferrari."

Photo courtesy of: Martin Eager
www.runic.com

In science we have been learning about the adaptations of birds and during our discussions we had a brief talk about the Peregrine Falcon.  Some years ago, there was a pair of Peregrine Falcons who decided to make their home at the top of the most prestigious highrise apartments in Brisbane.  They were named Frodo and Freida and a webcam was set up to take footage of them for people to follow.  They seem to have since moved on so the webcam is no longer active but you can still see some of the pictures of him here: Photos of Frodo.  You can also read more about Peregrine Falcons here: About Peregrine Falcons.

Here is a link to an active webcam of a Peregrine Falcon in Idaho, USA which you might like to check out.  Remember to let the class know if you see one!