Glaitness Class 7M

The story of Sedna

2010-05-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

To see how we created a felt picture with artist Christina Sargent follow this link.

Lyness visit

2010-04-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

Both p7 classes took a ferry ride to Lyness this week. Our mission was to explore and find out about Lyness and Orkney during the wars - World War II in particular.

We started with a walk to the cemetery where we studied the information on many war graves. We were very impressed with how well kept and tidy the cemetery is. It was sad to see how many people had died and surprising to see how many different nationalities there were. The young ages of the casualties gave us plenty to think about. Reading the inscriptions makes everything more real and meaningful to us.

We've never seen James move as fast as when his papers blew away! He caught them but oh dear he didn't watch where he was going! Hope you got you shoes cleaned James!

There is a film show and many interesting exhibits inside the giant oil tank. It was fascinating to hear our voices echo in there too.

Inside the museum there are many boards, displays and interactive exhibits to study. Some people's favourite part was trying on the clothes and uniforms.

Outside the museum we spent some trying trying to identify pieces of equipment from parts of photographs. It was a bit like a treasure hunt. Unfortunately we ran out of time and didn't manage to see the air raid shelter. See more images in the slide show below.

Gas masks

2010-04-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

As part of our study of World War II we made some models of gas masks. Using sound effects from the BBC website we were able to simulate what it would have been like to go through an air raid and gas alert. We used our tables as air raid shelters. It was very cramped but thankfully our air raids didn't last very long

See some more masks.

Paddlepower!

2010-03-25T13:56:00.001-07:00

Well done to the P7 paddlers!

Wise Choices

2010-03-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

On Monday 15th March the p7 classes had a chance to make new friends from other primary schools in Orkney. We took part in a drama workshop called Wise Choices, along with pupils from Evie, Flotta, Westray and Papa Westray. The workshop was run by the Youth Theatre company.

We played games that required lots of cooperation and action. It was interesting to work with pupils we didn't know and as the day went on we relaxed more and everyone became a bit less self conscious. The games all led to a focus on the dangers and effects of alcohol.

We had a relay game that was a group task and led to discussions about the importance of rules. We decided that there are good reasons for some rules and laws and learned who we should look to for help and advice if we need it. The activity that most of us really enjoyed was when we had to be the arms for someone else and perform an operation on a patient. Each group acted a scenario with hilarious results! There are some very active imaginations in p7!

All in all the day was informative and a great, interactive way to learn about alcohol abuse.

Young Leader award

2010-03-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

Over the next two terms both p7 classes are taking part in the Young Leader award. Catherine Johnston from Active Schools is helping us through the scheme. We are learning what it means to be a leader and what skills we need to improve to be successful.

We started off with taking turns at leading in follow the leader and Simon Says. We discovered that one of the most important skills is good communication. It's also important to be really sure of the rules!
Over the course of the award we will learn how to organise groups for games and how to prepare for a games session with younger pupils. By the end of the project we will be expected to take groups from the younger classes and teach them games, doing all the organising, preparation and supervision ourselves.
It will be quite a challenge and hopefully will make the playground a more exciting and inclusive place to play.

More visitors!

2010-02-21T04:07:00.000-08:00

This week we had visits from our MSP, Liam McArthur and our MP, Alistair Carmichael.

Both of them talked to us about their jobs and how they represent Orkney in different ways. We also asked them questions about international, national and local issues in preparation for our BBC School report.

Green land!

2010-02-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

We have been taking Drama lessons this term with Mr Giles. It's called Greenland a town with a differance. It fits in well with our project, Living in a Democracy. We are all citizens and make the rules. We have ten main laws.

1.All citizens of Greenland are instructed to use green public trannsport only.

2.All transport in Greenland must run on Green fluid such as Fairy liqid.

3.The Green Ba' must be held annually only in the capital of Greenland.

4.All citizens of Greenland must worship the Green Giant.

5.All citizens of Greenland must vow total allegiance to Greenland.

6.Only the colour green can be seen in Greenland, every other colour is forbidden.

7.All citizens of Greenland must know the "Green National Anthem" of by heart.

8.Only citizens of Greenland can know the Green Secret Handshake.

9.Only citizens of Greenland can live and work in Greenland.

10.All citizens of Greenland must eat five portions of green vegetables every day but will have an optional portion of 'Green Giant' sweetcorn.

We also have a parliament which we just started. We put Mrs McRae up in front of the parliament for committing a formidable crime!

by Kirsty

Video Conference

2010-01-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

This week we had a video conference with Neil Gray who is a parliamentary assistant at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
We had a very ineteresting discussion and he told us all about his job and what it is like to work in the parliament building.
Some of us thought we might like his job!

We took notes and asked many questions. We learned that MSPs work very long hours and don't always get time for a break at lunchtime. Debates and meetings can go on for a long time. Neil helps his MSP (Alex Neil) with research and preparing for meetings. He finds his job very interesting, challenging and enjoyable.

Santa suit challenge

2009-12-18T12:52:00.001-08:00

We had great fun competing in a Santa challenge where we had to dress someone in our team as Santa Claus using only newspaper.

We used a range of skills during the task - measuring, rolling, curling, cutting, folding and designing.

Some of us needed padding!

Everyone had a job to do and cooperation was the most important skill to use for the task to be successful.

The finished costumes were all different with a variety of wigs, beards, hats, belts and boots!

Which one would you have chosen as a winner?

The importance of blubber!

2009-12-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

We investigated how Arctic animals have adapted to survive in the cold temperatures they have to endure. Some animals carry a layer of blubber and we found out how effective this can be by making a 'blubber mitten.'

We made our mittens using lard and plastic bags.

We held our mittened hand and bare hand in cold, icy water and compared the temperatures.
It can be quite sore to hold your bare hand in very cold water for too long!

We noticed how red our bare hand became.

The hand in the blubber mitten barely felt cold and wasn't uncomfortable at all.

No wonder Arctic animals who have a layer of blubber don't feel the cold!

Climate Change conference

2009-12-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

While we are waiting to hear if there is an agreement amongst nations taking part in the Climate Change conference in Copenhagen at the moment, we have been busy learning about the Kyoto protocol .

The protocol legally binds nations who signed up to the treaty to reduce worldwide emissions of six greenhouse gases (collectively) by an average of 5.2% below their 1990 levels by the period 2008-2012.

We learned about it by selecting the main ideas from the text and explaining the information to each other 'speed dating' style!

Climate change and endangered animals

2009-12-16T11:23:00.000-08:00

This term we have been researching how Climate change and human activities are affecting the earth and some creatures that are in danger of becoming extinct. Some of us created powerpoint presentations to show the class.

Have a look at some of them here.

Ice bears and ice hares!

2009-12-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

We have been following Climate change news in the media and newspapers.

The sculptor Mark Coreth has carved ice bears for display during the Climate change conference in Copenhagen. We are following the progress of the bears by web cam. One is placed in Copenhagen and the other one is standing in Trafalgar Square in London.

You can follow this link to see the bears:

http://www.icebearproject.org/stream/index.html

We decided to have our own 'ice hare' project. We froze four ice hares and watched them as they melted.

Number 1 was the 'control.' It was made with plain water and we were not allowed to touch it.

Number 2 we were allowed to touch.

Number 3 was made of salty water and had food colouring added so that we could tell the difference.

Number 4 was placed outside in the courtyard.

We took photos every 15-30 minutes to see if there were any differences in the rate of melting.

Which one do you think melted first?

(You can choose your answer by clicking the button on the pane at the right.)

We'll let you know the results!

Update: The first hare to melt was the one we were allowed to touch!

The outside hare started melting very quickly (possibly because of the drizzle) and we thought it was going to be first but it slowed down later when the teperature outside dropped.

The second one to melt was actually the salty one with the outside one being third. The one that lasted longest was the inside one that no one touched.

Web chatting!

2009-12-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

We took part in a live web chat with Heather (the weather) Reid, where she answered questions about the weather and climate change.

We asked her these questions:

How much has the temperature of the earth changed in the last 100 years?

We don’t seem to get snow at Christmas very often anymore. Is this caused by climate change and will there be snow this year?

How many species of animals will become extinct in the next 20 years?

How long will it be before the earth is uninhabitable due to weather changes?

Are all countries in the world warming up or will some cool down due to Climate change?

If we stop carbon emissions how long will it take for the C02 level to return back to normal? How long will it take for all the ice in the Arctic to melt at the rate it is melting now?

Heather answered our question about the snow, she told us we are more likely to get snow at Easter but she would do her best for us!

Learning about Climate change.

2009-12-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

We are studying the way our planet is changing and the effect this is having on animals in particular.

After some research on the computers we wrote our own newspaper articles.

We thought about how we could be affecting the environment and little ways we can make changes that could help.

Inuit Art

2009-12-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a slideshow of some of the drawing and painting Class 7 have created which was inspired by traditional Inuit Art.

Learning kayaking skills at Kirkwall pool

2009-12-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

On 3rd Dec we went to the pool to learn some of the kayaking skills Inuit hunters would have to use in the Arctic. At least we were in warm water!

Learning to climb on and control our craft.

We had fun going over and under the 'ice floes!'

Learning to capsize was a bit nerve racking - but we did it!

Steering and spinning

Touching base.

Watch a video of us hunting our prey, racing to the finish - and capsizing!

Blue wave update

2009-11-30T14:03:00.000-08:00

Our video is part of the official wave site!
Follow the link and type in Glaitness in the search box.
Enjoy the other waves too and you could even add your own!
http://www.the-wave.org.uk/

The Blue Wave

2009-11-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

World leaders will get together in December at the United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen to decide how the world tackles climate change for decades to come.

Oxfam is looking for two key outcomes:

a cap on rich country carbon emissions.
an adaptation fund is set up for poor countries, so that they can cope with the effects of climate change.

Thousands of people will show their support for a safe and fair agreement to be made at the talks by joining The Wave.

P7 joined the wave by wearing blue and doing a Mexican wave.

We decorated cut out hands with blue and added our own messages to the government about Climate Change. These will be displayed in London at The Wave event on the 5th December to show support for a fair and safe climate deal in Copenhagen.

Our video will be added to Oxfam's website but you can see it below!

Here are our decorated hands.

Children in Need 20th Nov. Who do you recognise?

2009-11-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

Children in need

2009-11-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

We had fun dressing up today to raise money for Children in need.

The pupil council and green swans baked some Pudsey biscuits and buns to sell at playtime and we had a raffle.

We collected lots of coins to make a huge Pudsey on the hall floor.

Many thanks to everyone for their donations and the those who helped with baking.

We raised a total of £366.45!

A fantastic effort.

Here we are all dressed up! Can you tell who we are supposed to be?

Our theme was movie characters and celebrities.

Our canoeing adventure

2009-11-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

Our Canoeing at Walliwall

2009-10-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

When we went to Walliwall before we went onto the water we had to prepare by putting on buoyancy aids which Richard, one of the two instructors, pointed out were very different to life jackets because you have a lot more room to move your arms and also because you can swim with a buoyancy aid. We saw the difference between the old 1st nation paddles which were made of wood and the new modern metal and plastic ones we have now. Unfortunately the 1st nation spirit ship was not able to be there. We played a game to get into character where we had to carry sacks of life jackets in a portage fashion style which means carrying a load over land. We had to carry the sacks to the blue minibus which we came in. Dropped them and then ran back to the start, high fived our partner and then they ran to collect them. We then went into the canoes and had lots of fun.

Kirsty, Marcus

Canoeing at Walliwall

2009-10-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

When we were canoeing at Walliwall we had to work hard as a team. We noticed that our paddles bumped into each other when we canoed so there were two ways we could sort this. One way was shouting 1 2 3 and pull on the one and the other way was humming a song and pulling on the beat. We had to to work as a team to go anywhere. We noticed quickly that voyageurs that worked for the Hudson's Bay Company must have had a hard life.

James, Robbie

Canoeing information

2009-10-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

When we got to Walliwall Richard and Ron told us about what the voyageurs would have done when they went out to trade on big canoes that would have carried about eighteen people or more. They would have loaded every thing on to the boat and if it got broken it would have been a waste of a trip.

Leanne

Our canoeing trip to Walliwall

2009-10-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

At Walliwall our instructors threw lots of 'wild animals' into the water. We had to go and catch the them to trade with the 1st nation people. We took our catch ashore to our instructor to trade.After a long discussion we made the trade and left with one grizzly bear fur and three beaver furs.

Jack, Owen

Dancing at Corrigall

2009-10-08T06:01:00.013-07:00

The dancing at Corrigall was about half an hour. We did three dances. The dances were the Grand March, Nine Pins, and Strip the Willow. James played the bagpipes for the Grand March. First we did the Grand March, it was very fun, then we did two dances of Nine Pins but not all people got a shot. Lastly we did Strip the Willow. Everybody enjoyed themselves.

Emma, Kayleigh

Role Play in Corrigal House

2009-10-08T06:01:00.012-07:00

The Role Play was about twenty minutes. We were split into the groups of our Old Orkney Farming families. The families were sent into separate buildings, the Corrigall house was one off the buildings. In Corrigall house there were several hard jobs to get doing, everyone was at something. There was a young lass reading a Bible while several of the family members had huddled around to listen, there was a sibling sitting learning to write and read and a mother was rocking her child to sleep and two children were arguing over a teddy.

Lynn, Becky

Corrigall Chores

2009-10-08T06:01:00.008-07:00

At Corrigall in the afternoon we did some chores in our families. We did chores in the house and out of the house. In the house we turned the quern stone to make flour and we carried water round the barn. We made simmons, churned butter and the girls fitted the clothes.

Robert, Ewan

Our trip to Stromness

2009-09-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

We started off with a walk through Stromness looking for interesting buildings and plaques on walls to show where important events had taken place. It was like a treasure hunt!

Do you know why there are cobbles in the middle of the street?

Many famous ships stopped at Login's well to take water on board for their journey.

We stopped for a break at the cannon.

We found loads of information about John Rae at the museum. There was lots of information about arctic exploration too.

Some people were particularly interested in the model ships in the display cases!

Farming long ago in Orkney

2009-09-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Mr Giles came in to help us with drama activities to prepare for our trip to Corrigal Farm museum .

We really enjoy dancing ninepins!

We are inventing our own Old Orkney families.

We've all got names and roles within the family.

Answering questions about our families in
the 'hot seat'.

Welcome to p7M blog!

2009-09-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here we are! We have a nice roomy classroom and enjoy sitting in our chill out zone.