Inventions and self-reflection

 INVENTIONS AND SELF-REFLECTION

The concept of exploration continues in Term 2. 

ELECTRICITY

We looked at the invention of electricity and Nikola Tesla's creation of the AC current (as opposed to the original DC current). We looked at difficulties that faced Tesla on his invention journey (a difference of ideas with Edison, illness in early years, expectations from his father to become a priest like him, fears, difficulty in social situations), and the things that helped him (curiosity, determination, sense of humour, support from his inventive mother). 

We looked at the basics of how electricity works and had a chance to experiment with the brainbox equipment to make circuits.

ROCKETS and SATELLITES

We looked at satellites and what their purpose is. We thought about how we use satellites in our everyday life (GPS, weather data, communication).  Some of the year 3-6 students had a talk from some space ambassadors from Rocket Lab. They explained about innovations they are using to make exploration of space and getting information about the earth and the solar system more accessible. 

EXPLORING OUR IMAGINATIONS AND OUR PERSONALITIES - self-reflections

We took some time to think about how we use our mind. One week we looked at how some people are creative and the fact that imagination requires us to just have a go - there is no right or wrong way of being imaginative. We looked at the work of artists like Victor Nunes, and tried some creative thinking exercises ourselves.

Another week some children looked at our values and identity - what kind of person are we? What do we like? What do we think is important? What do we find difficult? We looked at how everyone is different and just because someone is different to us does not mean that they are less of a person - they just see things / do things / think in a different way to us.  I love some of the things that children said they value...

• Memories
• School
• Being kind
• caring for the environment
• being alive
• Teddies
• not being late
• keeping my bedroom clean! 
• Earth
• Being alone
• Family
• Being unique

It's always good to take a moment for some metacognition (thinking about how we think and work). It's helps us not only understand ourselves, but also to be more accepting of differences when we realise that we are all unique.  Some of the year 5&6 children looked at personality types and started thinking about their personality types and how that affects how they make decisions, pay attention, resolve issues, and what energises them (extravert personalities are energised by being around people, introvert personalities are energised by having time alone).