Energy Transformation

Energy cannot be destroyed. It just takes on different forms. 

-Yasmin Ahmad

This week in our Grade 5/6 classroom has been buzzing with energy—literally! As part of our ongoing unit on energy, the students have been diving deeper into their inquiry on energy transformation and its many forms.

We kicked off the week by exploring how energy works through the lens of basketball. The kids discussed how the ball changes energy types as it moves—switching between potential and kinetic energy with every bounce and shot. This example helped them grasp the basics in a fun and relatable way.

Building on that, we took a closer look at potential and kinetic energy using rollercoasters and skate parks as vivid examples. The students discussed how the height of a rollercoaster or a skate ramp stores potential energy, which then transforms into kinetic energy as the ride or trick unfolds. Their curiosity really shone through as they connected these thrilling activities to the science behind energy.

To put theory into practice, the class is currently working on building simple Rube-Goldberg machines. These creative contraptions allow the students to see energy transformation in action, as each step triggers the next through different energy forms. It’s been fantastic to watch their problem-solving skills and teamwork come alive during this hands-on project.

Amidst all the science excitement, the students are also gearing up for their upcoming concert. Throughout the week, they’ve been practicing their songs and performances with enthusiasm and focus, balancing their time between learning and preparing to shine on stage.

Have a wonderful weekend ahead, everyone.

Your homeroom teacher, 
Ms. Pam

Sustainable Cities for the Future

 

Sustainability is not just about adopting the latest energy-efficient technologies or turning to renewable sources of power. Sustainability is the responsibility of every individual every day.

-Joe Kaeser

This week in our Grade 5/6 class, we had an enriching STEM adventure with the theme of Sustainable Cities for the Future. We kicked off by asking a big question: What would a sustainable city look like 25 years from now? Our students shared amazing ideas, imagining cities that are cleaner, greener, and smarter.

Our main focus was on energy and energy sources—a key part of building sustainable cities. We explored different types of energy, especially renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro power. Students learned about the challenges we face today, such as pollution and fossil fuel depletion, and why renewable energy is so important for our planet’s future.

Inspired by these ideas, the class brainstormed creative solutions and innovations that could help make cities more sustainable. From solar-powered buildings to wind turbines integrated into parks, their ideas were innovative and hopeful.

The highlight was turning their ideas into a Lego city. Each student contributed to building a mini sustainable city, showcasing their energy solutions and creative designs. This hands-on project helped bring their visions to life and showed how teamwork and STEM skills can shape a better future.

We’re so proud of our young innovators and can’t wait to see how they continue to think critically and creatively about sustainability.

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher,

Ms. Pam

Renewable Energy

 

A transition to green energy is about making an investment in our future.

-Gloria Reuben

This week, our Grade 5/6 class embarked on an exciting new unit under How the World Works, focusing on energy—a perfect lead-in to our upcoming STEM Week!

The students began by researching renewable sources of energy, diving into how wind, solar, hydro, and other clean energies help power the world sustainably. They then used their findings to create colorful, informative posters that showcased their understanding.

Building on this foundation, the class started brainstorming for their STEM Week projects. Each student is challenged to envision a sustainable city and solve a real-world problem related to energy and sustainability. They are designing innovative ideas and prototypes that demonstrate how renewable energy can be used in smart, sustainable ways.

We also had special visitors this week: a sailing family currently docked in Japan. They shared their incredible journey from Australia to here, describing life on their boat and their travels around the world. The children were fascinated and eager to ask questions, making it a memorable and engaging experience for everyone.

Next week, during STEM Week, the students will proudly present their projects—sharing their research, creative solutions, and prototypes with the community. We can’t wait to see their bright ideas come to life.

We look forward to sharing with you what our inspiring young innovators have come up with. 

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher, 
Ms. Pam

Migration Stories

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. 
-JP Morgan 

This week was brief yet filled with meaningful activities that highlighted the diversity within our school community.

The children finalized their teacher interview stories and portraits, focusing on the diversity of experiences that migration has brought to our school. Through engaging interviews, the students learned about their teachers' unique journeys, creating portraits that reflect not only individual personalities but also the collective stories that connect us all. This project fostered empathy and understanding, allowing students to celebrate the diversity that enriches our learning environment.

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you. 

Your homeroom teacher, 
Ms. Pam