Ash - Year 4
Welcome to Ash - Year 4!
Autumn Term
In science, Year 4 investigated the ‘Digestive System’. We have previously learnt about the order of the organs and their functions, but this week we wanted to see it in action. We used a bowl to represent the mouth and we placed different foods such as Weetabix, biscuits, banana and orange juice inside. We used a fork to press down and cut the food just like our teeth do. We then poured this into a plastic bag where the breaking down of food continued, this represents the stomach.
The mushy food was fed through a leg of tights where we watched all the nutrients leave through the ‘walls’ to join the ‘bloodstream’. Then it was onto the large intestine where more moisture was squeezed out using a paper towel. A hole was then cut and the hard, solid food was squeezed out – just like our bodies when we get rid of waste from the anus.
This certainly was an exciting, memorable and to quote the children ‘gross’ lesson!
In history we have started our Anglo-Saxon topic. So far we have placed this period of time on a timeline and researched what life was life for an Anglo-Saxon child. Next week, we will be writing as a Roman in order to convince the Anglo-Saxons to come to Britain. We will learn about all the pull and push factors that made the Anglo-Saxons move and settle in Britain.
So far in art this term we have experimented with shade and tint using a base colour such as blue, and then adding small amounts of white and black. We have learnt that this technique is used to create 3D effects when painting.
We have also reminded ourselves of all the elements of art such as tone, colour and texture.
Our big question in R.E. is, ‘Where do Christian beliefs come from?’. So far we have explored all the Bible has to offer a reader, such as poetry, stories, advice and lessons. We designed our own Bible covers to let others know how varied this holy book is. We also discussed what we know about Christianity so far. We are hoping to learn a lot more in this unit.
On Wednesday 2nd October, Year 4 went on a school trip to West Stow Anglo Saxon Village in Bury St Edmunds. We stepped back in time and experienced what homes and dwellings were like for people in Britain 1400 years ago. We also became real life archaeologists as we handled actual artefacts and replicas of evidence found at the grounds of West Stow. We asked many questions and tried to make educated guesses about all the interesting items around us. Well done Year 4 - you made us very proud. A special thank you to the parents who accompanied us, you were such a great help on the day.
The Year 4 team.
