Are magic potions real?

This week we looked at chemical reactions with the mystery, “Are magic potions real?" We learned about the alchemists, a historic group of people famous for mixing different substances. In our activity, we experimented like alchemists to figure out which liquids could change the appearance of dull copper pennies.

Here’s something you can try at home: find some old coins, and invite your child to show you how to clean them. All you need is vinegar, salt, and dull copper!

Why do some volcanoes explode?

This week in science we continued our study of volcanoes.  We learned about different kinds of volcanoes and how the thickness of the lava can explain the shape and eruption pattern of the volcanoes.  Using lava made out of water and flour, we tested how different lavas create different shapes and trap gases differently.  We solved the mystery, “Why do some volcanoes explode?”

Watch this high definition video of lava flowing in Hawaii: Lava Flow Hawaii Kilauea. See if you can figure out the shape of the volcano that’s producing the lava. (hint: the lava is pretty thin so it doesn’t trap the gas very well.)  Good luck!

Planet Cakes

Room 14 had a fun afternoon baking. We wanted to recreate cupcakes that had the look of showing the inner core of planet Earth. We mixed up three different coloured batters; red, yellow and blue. Once they were cooked we iced them and put meteor dust, coloured sprinkles on them. We didn’t quite get the effect we were after, but the cakes looked beautiful nonetheless and tasted delicious. Even Mr T couldn’t resist eating one. He gave our planet cakes his seal of approval.

Why Do Constellations Change With The Seasons? with Room 14

In Room 14 in science, this week students were introduced to constellations and learned how there are different constellations visible each season. They explored the Mystery, "Why do the constellations change with the seasons?"  

We built a model that makes it easy for us to visualise the answer. We’ve named it the “Universe in a Box.”

Take this opportunity to have your child show you how their “Universe in a Box” works. Ask them:  Why do we see different constellations each season? What are some constellations we will see if we go outside tonight? 

PS: If you have an iPhone or iPad, check out “SkyGuide” for iPhone and iPad. It lets you point your phone at any part of the sky, and then it will show you what constellation you’re seeing. It costs $1.99 and can be downloaded at: http://tinyurl.com/nouzqfa

Who Set The First Clock? with Room 14

In Room 14 in science, we're answering the question: “Who set the first clock?" We made shadow clocks (sundials), learned about telling the time by the Sun and found out how (and why) people first divided the day into hours.

When your child brings the sundial home, maybe help set it up in the sun with the north-pointing arrow pointing north. When you watch the shadow move over the course of the day, which way will the shadow move around the dial? Clockwise or anticlockwise? Do people in the Southern hemisphere and the Northern hemisphere observe different things?

Room 14 Assembly

Room 14 have been learning about New Zealand Sign Language. We learned a beautiful song called Paradise by Waimarie Smith and translated into NZSL by Sarah and Christie Mason. Have a listen and watch Room 14 sing and sign. Just beautiful 💕