Thinking like scientists when classifying.

Scientists use a chart called a dichotomous key to better identify things based on their characteristics. Dichotomous means divided into two parts or classifications.It is easy to read a dichotomous key once you know how.  View the video below to learn how to read a dichotomous key to identify things.

Are you ready to take up the challenge?

Learn to think like a scientist by using a dichotomous key to identify the name of each of the bugs.  Be sure to have read the instructions carefully to know what you need to do.  Also make sure you read the two choices for each step carefully and look carefully at the picture to identify the characteristics being described.

Identifying the Bugs

How can I make a dichotomous key using Microsoft Word?

Bald Eagles are incredible living things

The Kea group have been reading this amazing book about Bald Eagles.  Here is some of the information they have found out.

Musical notes

Tawhai and Flynn

Super focused inquirers

This morning we were super focused inquirers and Mr O'Reilly came to join us in our learning! 

He was even able to stay and do his work without being distracted. 

Ka mau te wehi Ōtākaro!

Museum Visit - Ōtākaro 1 and 4

Ōtākaro 1 and 4 had a brilliant time visiting the Christchurch Museum yesterday (Tuesday 31st May).

We were extremely lucky to have the expertise of Anthony who took our Mini Beasts lesson and Marisa who took our Feathers and Beaks lesson.

The start of our Feathers and Beaks lesson

Here's what we were looking at!

We took turns to examine and FEEL the feathers of different birds

Investigating bird wings - we got to feel them!

Scavenger hunt time - Theo and Tristan found theirs very quickly!

A tarantula skin - It was very soft

James and Whaea Rhiannon had fun using the insect eye viewers

A young tarantula 

Creating insects and spiders - Do you know where their legs attach to their body?

Thank you to our parent helpers, we loved sharing our learning with you!

Visit from the Mobile Library bus

We are loving having Zac from the Christchurch city mobile library visiting our studio. He brings along a selection of new picture books and reads them to us. We love having Zac come to visit us because he reads the stories with funny voices.

Today the library bus was busy all lunchtime. It was great to see so many students bringing their library cards and enjoying browsing for new books.

The next visit is Monday 20th June. The bus will also visit on the 4th July. We still have forms if you would like to join your child up. This service is free.

Today's books: 

Coeliac Awareness Week

Last week was Coeliac Awareness week in New Zealand.  We have several students in our studio that are Coeliac and a few that have gluten intolerance.  One of our Cooking Club groups had our coeliac and gluten intolerant students all together and they used a flour substitute to make lemonade scones. 

 They were delicious