Investigating in Science
At the beginning of the unit Summer makes links to previous experiences.
Exploring a situation
After exploring and undertaking trials with a variety of magnets, Summer makes observations about the reasons that some objects are attracted to the magnet, "they attract some metals, they have the same things in them", and looks for patterns or relationships when like or opposite poles are placed together (see What I found out, by Summer).
Processing and interpreting
Nicholas observes, "Magnets have different strengths. They can lose their strength." He shows he can reach conclusions to simple investigations linked to his own understanding (see What I found out, by Nicholas).
Reporting
After investigating the properties of magnets, Nicholas is able to demonstrate clearly his understanding of the forces of attraction and repulsion through reporting on some or all of his investigations in an organised way. He uses diagrams and symbols to support his written comments. |
Developing and Communicating Scientific Understanding
Using scientific ideas in constructing explanations
Summer offers explanations for experiences using some scientific ideas, "They can lose their strength".
Using scientific vocabulary
Nicholas shows an understanding of the scientific ideas of a force field between the magnets in his diagrams and experiments with vocabulary and uses correct labels to describe experiences, "The ends are pulling together when they are N and S. The ends push away when they are the same".
Reflecting on their understanding
Both Nicolas and Summer are able to describe changes in their own understanding, with prompting, as shown by the teacher's written comments on the students' work. |
