Today in science we continued with our topic of forces.

We talked about the force of gravity and discussed the findings of Isaac Newton.

Our task was to weigh objects in the classroom using Newton Meters.

We had to collect reliable results by weighing each object twice and then averaging our findings.

We then put the results into a correctly drawn table, using Newtons as our unit of measurement.

As you were so interested in Isaac Newton, here are some websites to help you learn more.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/newton_isaac.shtml

http://www.newton.ac.uk/webseminars/10th_anniversary/poskitt/

We have worked hard on fractions for the last two weeks, so today we had some fun problem solving activities.

We completed a carousel of activities, which included playing games on the interactive whiteboard, calculator problems, symmetry investigations and number problems using dice and multi link.

Gamelan

Here we are learning our GAMELAN melody.

We rehearsed on tuned and untuned percussion instruments.

Some of us also sung the melodic part.

We then watched a video of GAMELAN music.

We then had to 'decorate' our cyclic pattern, by playing notes just before the original pattern.

We recorded our first and second attempts, watched them back and appraised them.

I will post the videos later.

It was quite a difficult exercise, but J8 did really well.

In Maths we often use 'SHOW ME' boards.

These help the teacher know whether we have all understood what we are learning.

It is better than just putting up your hands to answer questions, as everyone in the class is involved.

This week we have continued our work on fractions.

Here are some websites to help you.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/numbers/fractiondecimalpercentage/

http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/bk7i17/bk7_17i2.htmmepres/book7/

http://www.mathsisfun.com/converting-decimals-fractions.html

Today we studied a persuasive text.

Our task was to recognise how arguments are constructed to be effective.

We also had to identify the features of balanced written arguments.

In pairs, we annotated a persuasive pamphlet.

We will use the features we found to write our own persuasive pamphlet.

Today in gymnastics we had to create a gymnastic sequence that included speed, shape, level and pathway variations.

Today we put together a mini presentation about the building of Euro Disney.

Our aim was to give a balanced viewpoint.

We had to consider evidence and make decisions, while identifying bias when considering controversial issues.

In groups we presented our 'for and against' arguments for building Euro Disney near Paris.

In J7, we have been reading Mynd i Siopa.

In groups we read the text and then put together a role play.

Can you understand what Byrti is saying?

The results are in for our top 8 attractions in Paris.

It's a good thing I'm not a betting man (woman), because the culture vultures in J8 surprised me with their first choice.

With a massive 193 votes, the Eiffel Tower romped into first place.

J8 were keen to see the spectacular views from the top.

Euro Disney came second with 154 votes.

The Louvre Museum was a close third with 152 votes. Lots of the children said how much they would like to see the Mona Lisa.

The Champs Elysees was fourth with 132 votes.

Looking in the expensive shops and trying out the fancy restaurants made this very popular.

The Arc du Triomphe came fifth with 91 votes.

J8 liked the idea of seeing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Pompidou Centre only gained 83 votes.

Some of the children didn't feel it really represented Paris as it is so modern.

Notre Dame came seventh with 77 votes.

'I don't like Gothic things,' was one educated comment!!

'Quasimodo doesn't exist!' was another (Yes he does.....I've seen the film).

The Sacre Coeur came a sorry last with 72 votes.

J8 weren't too keen on visiting churches, apparently.

We will soon be rating the top attractions Pontyclun has to offer...........!