This week in Grade 5, we returned to school on Thursday after the exciting Golden Week holidays and quickly jumped back into our weather inquiry unit. We began by reviewing the different factors that affect the weather, such as temperature, air pressure, wind direction, humidity, and precipitation. Students shared what they remembered from our previous lessons and connected these ideas to real-life weather changes they have experienced.
One of the highlights of the week was revisiting our “I Wonder” wall. Students looked back at the questions they created at the beginning of our inquiry in April and were excited to discover that we had already answered almost all of them through our investigations, experiments, discussions, and research activities. This helped students reflect on how much they have learned and how their understanding has grown throughout the unit.
Today, our inquiry focused on storms, especially thunderstorms. Students became young researchers as they sought answers in various ways. They interviewed office staff and teachers to gather ideas and experiences about storms and weather. Afterward, we visited the library to continue our research using books. Through collaboration, questioning, and investigation, students discovered how thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises, cools, and creates large storm clouds that produce thunder, lightning, and heavy rain.
This week’s activities strengthened students’ research, communication, and thinking skills as they learned to gather information from diverse sources and collaborate to deepen their understanding of weather systems.
We also had a meaningful opportunity to listen to a guest speaker, who is the parent of one of our Grade 2 students. She shared valuable information about the effects of devices on our bodies and health. Students listened attentively, reflected on their own habits, and shared their thoughts. It was a wonderful chance for everyone to learn from each other and think more deeply about making balanced and healthy choices when using technology. Thank you!
