Rocks, Relics and Rumbles

Memorable Learning Experience

Year 3 started our first Topic of the Year with a memorable experience. We became geologists for the afternoon. We learnt all about a geologist’s job through a virtual presentation with a real-life geologist to learn more about her career.

We learnt about different rock types and we identified the three main types of rocks and distinguished them using their properties. We used magnifying lenses to check properties and used water to check if the rocks were permeable or impermeable.

Science

Exploring the properties of rocks and categorisng them as sedementary, metamorphic or igneous

Science

We investigated the different types of soil on the school grounds. We shared and compared our findings. We then concluded if our soil samples were sandy, silty or clay.

Geography/Science

After identifying different volcano types, we explored how volcanos erupt. We demonstrated the difference between an effusive eruption and an explosive eruption using baking powder and vinegar and coke and mentos.

D & T

We learnt about how fossils were created and we designed our own ammonites. We explored their shape, texture and colour. We used clay and clay molding tools and utensils for different purposes to create our designs and then we evaluated them.

Science/Geography

We demonstrated how fossils are created over time naturally from the pressure of millions of years creating a print on sedimentary rock. We used bread, sweets and applied pressure to display how they are created and wrote descriptions using visual stimulus.

Mighty Metals

Memorable Learning Experience

Year 3 started this Topic with a memorable experience at Perton Park. We became scientists for the afternoon and we explored the different forces that were at work on the different park apparatus. We identified pushes, pulls, friction and explained how gravity is always at work.

Science

Exploring forces at Perton Park

Science

We explored friction on different surfaces. We conducted a fair test to see which material created the most friction on the car by measuring the distance the car travelled after driving down a slope on the different materials. We predicted, collected our results, compared them and wrote conclusions based on findings.

Computing

We collected the results from the friction investigation and displayed them in tables after inputting our data into a spreadsheet.

D & T / Science

We explored levers and discussed the functionality of them and how they were fit for purpose. We then conducted an investigation into how to create a functional lever – Does the position of the fulcrum affect how much force is needed? We used Forceometers to collect our results and make conclusions.

D & T

We explored what makes a functional spinning top. We used different materials to create spinning tops and measured how effective they were by the amount of time they spun. We then drew annotated designs of of our spinning tops

Science

We used magnets to identify magnetic objects and then we used a Forceometer to test if different magnets were more powerful. We also discussed how the poles of magnets work in attracting and repelling.

Art & Design

We explored embossing in art. We created our designs and made a colourful design with string, foil and card

Computing

Using Lego WEDO, we created a pulling robot based on our work on forces. We programmed a sequence of algorithms into the pulling robot and we used our logical reasoning to debug the program as we went along.

D & T

We designed, created an annotated our own magnetic board game. We created our own design briefs and chose our success criteria via who our product was aimed at (Consumer).

Science

We tested which liquid would clean a tarnished coin he most effectively. We made predictions, discussed how to make it a fair test, selected how to display our results and wrote conclusions based on our findings.

D & T and Science

We created our own friend for The Iron Man. We had a design brief to stick to. It had to be able to move, had to be magnetic, be appealing and it had to light up. We used our scientific knowledge to make it magnetic and we created an electrical circuit with switches to ensure our designs could light up in the dark.

Scrumddidlyumptious!

Memorable Learning Experience

For our memorable learning experience we used all our senses to explore a range of mystery foods. We explored the texture, scent and other properties of the foods and made predictions about what they were.

Our Memorable Experience recording sheet and predictions.

PE

In PE we focused on golf. We learnt a range of skills when putting and chipping and we improved our technique in how to hold the clubs correctly and strike for different purposes.

Music

In Music Year 3 learnt how to play a range of instruments and they learnt to read musical notation and play as part of an ensemble. They also learnt about the history of different musicians.

Geography

In Geography Year 3 completed map activities and atlas work to learn about the different countries that grow bananas. We discussed the climate needed to grow them and how they are transported to local supermarkets in the UK.

Geography

We explored different unusual foods eaten around the world and found the countries they are eaten in an atlas.

RE

In RE we looked at different religious stories from Sikhism and the values that underpin the religion. We learnt about their Holy Book – Guru Granth Sahib and Guru Nanak.

Art, D & T and Maths

In our Topic we created our own sweet treat combining a fruit and something sweet. We explored nets to create a package, designed the packaging content for the product and made our product out of clay.

History

In History we learnt about the historical figure James Lind and his significance in finding the cause and cure for Scurvy. We plotted his life with significant events on a timeline.

Science

We explored the different food groups, identified which foods belonged to each group and why we need each food group and what they do for our bodies. We also discussed how to achieve a balanced diet and its importance.

English

In English we created instructions to make mince pies. We looked at the features of instructions and put together the ‘shapes’ to make up a successful version of this text type,

D & T

On the lead-up to Christmas we created mince pies. We measured the ingredients, grated the zest, spooned the mincemeat and kneaded the dough to create the bases.

D & T

We also created smoothies. We combined fruits of our choice and used a blender to create our smoothies. We created names using alliteration, created a sales pitch and designed the packaging.

Computing

We used Lego WeDo to create a functioning pulling mechanism. We followed instructions to build the machine and then we programmed algorithms to make the machines pull an object. We debugged our algorithms as we went along.

Through the Ages

Memorable Learning Experience

For our Memorable learning experience Year 3 dressed up as Cavemen! We created cave paintings using natural materials we hunter-gathered and we created a fire from sticks we gathered.

Topic

We wrote instructions for how to create a fire after making one on our Engage day.

Science

During this Topic we looked at plants. We explored the life cycle of a plant and how seeds are dispersed and how they grow. We also learnt about how a plant reproduces and the parts of plants.

Science

We learnt about how water is transported up to the leaves of a plant through xylem vessels. We explored these through an investigation. We monitored plants sucking up water with food colouring and how it affected the leaves.

History

We used a range of historical sources including artefacts  and found out about everyday life in the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. We identified primary and secondary sources and whether sources were reliable or not.

Geography

We looked at different Stone Age monuments and mapped them out around the UK. We also discussed if the monuments were created in the Stone, Bronze or Iron Age

History

We learnt about the Cheddar Man and learnt about how scientists used his genetic matter to learn about Stone Age people. We also plotted events from the ages on timelines and placed significant events in chronological order.

VIPERS

We completed our VIPERS around the text The Boy with the Bronze Axe.

VIPERS

Sequencing and summarising

English

In English we learnt about the shapes for a Non-chronological report text and we created our own reports on the Ages we looked at in our Topic lessons

Maths

In Maths we explored volume. We learnt about volume and capacity and reading scales accurately.

PE

In PE we covered athletics. We looked at a range of track and field events and improved their skills.

RE

In RE we explored  Christianity and Lent. Reverend Julia came into school to tell us about the significance of Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.

Art

Year 3 used a range of different natural resources after hunter gathering to create their own Bell Breaker pots with unique patterns

D & T

In D & T we created pizzas. We measured the ingredients, kneaded the dough, rolled out the dough for the base, spread the tomato puree and added our toppings before putting them in the oven to cook.

Predator

Memorable Learning Experience

For our memorable experience for Predator Year 3 visited Twycross Zoo. W e looked at all of the different predators and learnt about their different predatory features. We also looked at a range of animals and consolidated our earlier learning on carnivores, omnivores and herbivores.

Maths

In Maths this half term we learnt about the properties of 2D and 3D shapes. We explored the terms vertices, edges and faces and discussed the different 2D shapes that are faces on 3D shapes.

VIPERS/English

In our VIPERS and English lessons we focused on the text ‘The Sheep-Pig’. We identified the shapes to make up a balanced argument and wrote around the question: Can other animals do the job of a sheepdog?

PE

In PE we consolidated our learning of different track and field events, we learnt about different skills in football such as dribbling, different ways of striking the ball for passing and shooting and we also learnt a range of batting and fielding skills in cricket through Chance to Shine cricket.

Music

In Music we’ve composed our own musical compositions and played independently and as part of an ensemble with a range of instruments.

Computing

In Computing we created our own earthquake simulators. We created a machine that would replicate earthquakes of different magnitudes and tested how houses of different designs withstood these earthquakes.

Computing

We created our own predator and prey games. We programmed our sprites with algorithms on scratch so the predators could eat their prey.

Computing

We used a range of photo editing tools on PicCollage to create our own aquatic scenes with a predator consuming or hunting their prey.

Computing

We also used photo editing tools on PicCollage to create our own ultimate predators!

Art

We practised our shading and techniques for creating sketches in proportion. We created sketches of different predators using these techniques

RE

In RE we explored Judaism. We looked at the Jewish place of worship; the Synagogue and compared it to Religious buildings of other faiths.

Science

We consolidated our learning of omnivores, carnivores and herbivores and we learnt about what a producer and consumer is. We also learnt how to create food chains and the roles of the producer and the Apex predator.

Geography

In Geography we explored the habitats of Crocodiles and Alligators. We explored their similarities and differences and then used atlases to locate the continents and countries they’re found in.

Geography

We identified physical and human landmarks around the world and then we created our own birds-eye view of our school grounds, created a key and identified different natural and human features.

Emperors and Empires

Memorable Learning Experience