To boldly go where no man has gone before

Did you know: Shatner did a cover of Pulp's Common People

This week we will be starting our second unit of inquiry. Here is a brief overview of the unit

Transdisciplinary theme: where we are in place and time

The concepts and related concepts that we will be looking at over this unit are; causation, connection, reflection, impact, discovery and exploration

The attitude that has been picked for this unit is communicator

The central idea; Explorers can face a variety of challenges during voyages of discovery

Over the next six weeks we will be looking into and discovering why humans explore, what challenges we face doing it and what are the consequences of our actions. We will be looking into all different types of exploration from Ferdinand Magellan to the new Mars rover. We will also be doing some case studies of explores that have shaped the world (for better or worse), as well as become explores ourselves. This unit ties in very well with both our literacy (journal writing) and Maths (graphing and coordinates).

Here is a sneak-peek of how we will be kicking off the unit. 

At first glance the opening scene to the original movie (1977!) does not have much of a connection to exploration but what the main aim of this is to get students to start to think about what is out there. Where had this ship come from and where was it going? what unexpected surprises await an explorer?

 I remember watching this movie on VHS (or was it Betamax?) at my friends house over and over again each time thinking, 'what really is on a Galaxy far, far away?' If the students start asking these types of questions then we are on the right track.

Maths

As mentioned we will be starting our new unit in Mathematics this week. We will be expanding our knowledge of multiplication as well as learn about grid points and coordinates. Here are all the learning goals for this unit. I have highlighted the one that we will be focusing on over the next two weeks

Multiplication

Number

Learning outcomes

• Model multiplication of whole numbers
• Use language of multiplication

When applying understanding

• Use mental and written strategies for multiplication in real life situations
• Select an efficient method for solving a problem, e.g. mental estimation, metal or written strategies, or by using a calculator.

Pattern and Function

Learning outcomes

• Understand that multiplication is repeated addition
• Understand the inverse relationship between multiplication and division
• Understand the associative and commutative properties of multiplication

Transferring meaning

• Describe the rule for a pattern in a variety of ways
• Represent rules for patterns using words, symbols and tables

When applying understanding

• select appropriate methods for representing patterns, for example using words, symbols and tables

• use number patterns to make predictions and solve problems

Grid points and coordinates

Data handling

Learning outcomes

• understand that scale can represent different quantities in graphs

Transferring meaning

• identify, read and interpret range and scale on graphs

I am not sure when I will be updating the blog again in the next two weeks but I will try to add bits of information as it pops up that I think might help students understand a concept in literacy  Maths or POI. I have a few links on explores and exploration that will be put up when I next have a chance. If you know of any good websites please could you write them in the comments page so I can add them to the list. As much as I am looking forward spending two weeks at home with my newly extended family, I feel a bit sad that I will be missing what is going to be two fun weeks in school. 

See you all in the unknown :)