TERM 3 of 2008

This term the whole school has gone nautical in preparation for the whole school performance of "HMS Pinafore".

Tanya's Group
Science on the High Seas

Tanya's group will be exploring the science of the ocean. Experimentations will include: floating, sinking, waves, boat shapes, currents and the many other aspects of water with which a good officer should acquaint himself.

The tying of knots in their various forms and uses will be undertaken.

Projects of relevance to the nautical theme will also be negotiated and undertaken. Some of these sites have been chosen to generate inspiration for these projects and will be added to as the specific topics are agreed upon.

Nautical Terms
A list of terms to do with boats and sailing from Phrontistery - a site of the most extraordinary word lists.

Knot Gallery -- a site from the Tollesbury Yacht Club with animated knot demonstrations.

Bureau of Meteorology
Scroll right to the bottom of the page for downloadable experiments to do with air pressure, wind speed, clouds, the colour of the sky and much more.

Oceans in Motion
This Oceans Alive site has an excellent explanation and experiment about waves. Experiments on currents and tides are also available with an opportunity to collect data on tides and to predict using that information.

National Geographic: Volvo Ocean Race
Lots to explore on this site that makes use of a real boat race (formerly known as the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race) to explore science of the ocean. Check out the wave and sailing simulators, learn about the doldrums, navigation, how they rescue people at sea and much more. Access this by clicking on the green bars' drop down menus (try clicking on other stuff as well, you can always use the back button to find your way back).

A Stowaway's Guide to the Pacific

Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Columbus Navigation

EducScapes pathfinder pages -- Explorers

Life at Sea
Maritime Museum's section on Exploration through the ages. The Life at Sea part includes what it was like to be sailing in the time of Captain Cook.

Joseph Banks Papers Online

For Collaborative Work in Tanya's group
Arthurian Myth
Retelling of the Sword in the Stone
History for Kids - King Arthur's Britain (sorry lots of ads)
Early British Kingdoms for Kids

Mary's Group
Free Choice
Mary's group will again be pursuing topics of their own choice. Links will be added as specific topics are negotiated.

Rocket and space ships
History of Space Stations -- not exactly about space ships, this is where to stay when in outer space. The author of this website is an award-winning book author on the same subject.

Astronomy for Kids: Space Exploration -- this is a site that is part of the Kids Know It network (a site created and managed by American teachers). This section is all about space exploration so will include stuff you want and other stuff that doesn't suit. Check out the button on the side that says "Space Shuttle".

Starchild -- this is a website for kids by NASA. Primary school kids will want to look at the information marked Level 1. Try clicking on the button marked "Space Stuff". This site will even read the text for you and has a glossary of terms (tells you what some of the words mean).

Solar system
Astonomy for Kids: The Solar System -- This section is all about the planets, their moons, and comets and asteroids. You need to click on the buttons on the side.

Starchild -- see the link above but try clicking on the button marked "Solar System". There is also a button on the top left corner that will start the audio -- so the site will read the page to you.

Global warming
Climate Change Kids Site -- this site was made especially for kids by the American Environmental Protection Association (EPA). There is a lot of good info and some activities to explore.

Video and electronic games
Dolphins
Dolphin Research Project -- this organisation has a page for kids doing school projects. Check it out.
Wild Animal Watch: Dolphins -- this site by Scholastic is great, but be mindful that it is an American site so may have different species of dolphins from Australia.
Fungus
Introduction to Fungi -- This site by Berkeley University has a good introduction page and scroll down for other good sites. Some of the info on this site is tricky to read. You may need a bit of help.

Fun Facts about Fungi -- this site from the Utah State University has some activities you may want to try including how to grow your own mushrooms.
Mediaeval torture
Scientific experiments for kids
Organic foods
Stick insects
Bugwise - this site set up by Australian Museums is all about studying insects. Make your way to All about Invertebrates then find the Invertebrate guides -- there's all kinds of info on all kinds of insects (and lots about what you can do to get involved with insect research).

Marine life


Edith's Group

Wendy's Group
Pirates Sail to the Olympics

Olympics for Kids
This First Steps site has lesson plans and activities that tie in with the Olympic games. This site is for Wendy.

Classroom Olympics
More ideas for Wendy

Official Site of the Australian Olympic Team 2008
Look at the venues, find out about the atheletes and the sports they will compete in.

Olympic Education Resources
Primary education resources from the official site. Lots to look through here Wendy.