Grade 5 Report

This term in Grade 5, we have been learning about sudden and extreme changes to the Earth’s Surface and how these changes can cause Natural Disasters. Last week, we focused on earthquakes. We discovered how and why earthquakes occur and what you can do to protect yourself during an earthquake. 

Grade 5 children put their engineering, teamwork, and creativity to the test during an exciting Science challenge! Their mission was to design and build the tallest, strongest and sturdiest structure they could using a range of materials, including LEGO, magnetic tiles and geometric shape connectors. 

Before the building began, students worked in small teams and used their communication and problem-solving skills to share ideas and discuss what would make their structure strong and stable. Then, the real fun began! Students worked together to bring their designs to life, carefully considering balance, foundations, and how to make their structures strong enough to withstand movement.

But there was one final challenge… THE EARTHQUAKE SHAKE!🌋

Each structure was placed on two books with four balls in between them, all held together with elastic bands. The moving books represented the tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface and demonstrated what can happen when these plates shift and move. 

The students watched with excitement as the shaking began! Some structures came tumbling down after just a few small shakes, while others proved to be incredibly strong and survived even the BIGGEST EARTHQUAKE SHAKES! 

There were plenty of cheers, surprises and opportunities to rethink and improve designs. Through this hands-on challenge, students discovered just how important strong foundations, balance, teamwork, and creative thinking are when designing structures that can withstand the forces of an earthquake!