Hands on science

This term we are studying the elements that shape and affect our earth. We started by looking at the structure inside the earth.
Then we learned how the tectonic plates are constantly moving and making changes to the earth. We used biscuits and yoghurt to demonstrate the different ways they move and the effects they produce.

Rifts forming under the ocean when the plates move apart.

Subduction is when one plate moves under the other.

Mountains form when plates collide and push the rock upwards.

Plates sliding against each other and breaking cause earthquakes.

We took a closer look at mountains forming and tried forming our own fold mountains with sheets of cloth.

Remembrance

For Remembrance Day we took part in a live assembly from the Tower of London organised by

There was a mixture of articles about World War I, poems read by youngsters and information on how all the ceramic poppies were made. The poppies make a spectacular display  -  888 246 of them - one for each person lost in the war. When they are removed they will be making their way to people who have bought them. They are all sold out and money raised will be going to service charities.

After thinking about the war and discussing what peace means for us we created a display. We wrote our thoughts about peace on templates of white doves - the symbol of peace. When we were finished we assembled them on the wall in the shape of a dove carrying a poppy in its beak.

The picture will be uploaded to the Why Remember campaign for schools and will hopefully form part of a large online mosaic.

On Tuesday 11th the whole school took part in a two minute silence to show respect and think about all those who have lost their lives in conflicts.

Live Music Now

On Tuesday 11th November we were treated to live music from the Live Music Now project. This year our musical visitors were a duo called Rua MacMillan and Suzanne Houston. They play folk and traditional tunes on keyboard and fiddle. They had everyone clapping along and had songs to join in with too. We had lots of questions for them and had a very enjoyable morning.

Here is a link to the information on Rua and Suzanne on the Live Music Now website.

 http://www.livemusicnow.org.uk/lmn-musicians-info/id/767

Orkney Food Bank

On Tuesday 28th October we represented the school by visiting the Foodbank to see what happened to the food we donated after our Harvest Service at the school. Angus Ross from the Foodbank spoke at our assembly and invited us along. The Foodbank is situated on Junction Road, in the old Jewson's buildings.
The first thing that surprised us was the size of the building and how it is set out with tables and chairs, comfy couches to relax on, and a children's play area. The walls are brightly painted and there is information on all sorts of things!

Baskets of donated food.

Food is sorted by date and stored on shelves in the storeroom.

There are even recipe cards on the tables to give clients ideas for cheap, healthy and easy to make meals.

Orkney zerowaste have provided information points and games.

There is a selection of clothes for those in need.

The Orkney Food Bank have a collection point at Tesco where you can donate food and more information can be found on their website at 

www.orkney.foodbank.org.uk