This week in maths, we have been diving into the world of geometry, specifically focusing on calculating missing angles in triangles and quadrilaterals. We have been exploring the relationships between angles in different shapes and honing our problem-solving skills. We learnt how to calculate the sum of the internal angles in any polygon by using the formula 180 degrees X (number of sides – 2).
We are discovering that for many life as a Victorian was extremely hard. In our History lesson this week, we learnt about the life expectancy of Victorians in the countryside (48 years) and towns (22 years) and why, despite the stark difference, so many families were leaving the countryside to live in the towns. We discovered that the disparity in life expectancy was largely due to the living conditions and poor sanitation in those areas during that time. Families were likely moving to towns for various reasons, such as seeking better economic opportunities, access to amenities, and social connections. The shift from rural to urban living was a significant aspect of the Industrial Revolution.
We have been using our learning about the Victorians in our English lessons. Charles Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle and his observations on the Galapagos Islands are truly remarkable. We know his diary entries provide valuable insights into his experiences and the development of his theories of evolution. This week we were able to immerse ourselves in his perspective and write as Darwin. We told of his dreadful nausea aboard HMS Beagle and his delight as he approached the Galapagos archipelago. Of course we loved adopting Darwin’s turn of phrase, too. There were plenty of old fashioned phrases being used in our writing this week including ‘Tis…’ , ‘Twas…’ and ‘Alas…’ along with ‘flora and fauna’.
Have you ever wondered how scientists get a sample of DNA from a plant, animal, or other organism? We have been learning that all living organisms have DNA. DNA, which is short for deoxyribonucleic acid, is the blueprint for almost everything that happens inside the cells of an organism — overall, it tells the organism how to develop and function.
We extracted DNA from strawberries! When we added the mixture of salt and detergent to the smashed strawberries, the detergent helped lyse (or pop open) the strawberry cells. This caused the cells to release their DNA into the liquid in the bag. At the same time, the salt helped create an environment where the different strands of DNA could gather together in a clump, making it easier for us to see them.
When we added the cold rubbing alcohol to the filtered strawberry liquid, the alcohol made the DNA come together and separate itself from the rest of the liquid. We saw the white/clear gooey DNA strands in the alcohol layer, as well as between the two layers.
A single strand of DNA is extremely tiny, too tiny to see with the naked eye, but because the DNA clumped together in this activity you were able to see just how much DNA three strawberries have when combining all of their octoploid cells!
DNA is such a crucial part of all living organisms, and it’s amazing that we were able to see it up close by extracting it from strawberries. We think science is truly incredible!
We are big fans of Star Wars in Willow Class and with May the 4th just around the corner, what better way to spend our time in the forest than with lots of deadly Bounty Hunters roaming in search of bad guys. Some of us even turned a shelter into a very cool spaceship and cruised around the galaxy collecting criminals.
Enjoy the Bank Holiday and May the 4th be with you! Happy Star Wars day!
See you on Tuesday.