In Science, Year 7 have recently been exploring what we are made of, looking at cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. They were tasked with becoming experts on a particular organ system and then presenting their learning to their peers. The challenge did not stop there, as we invited Year 5 students to come and learn from the Year 7s too. Year 5s have also been exploring who we are and what we are made of in their Unit of Inquiry:
’Human organs and body systems are interdependent and require maintenance for health’
so the challenge was on for the year 7s!
On Thursday afternoon, we gathered in socially distant groups in the MPH to watch and enjoy the Year 7s presenting their research. Some presentations were funny, some were interactive, all were enjoyable and full of lots of information and carefully researched facts. We were all impressed with the collaboration and risk-taking of the Year 7s, and the inquiring questions from the Year 5s.
Students in year 5 wrote the following reflections:
“We went to the Year 7 Science presentations on body systems. Each of their performances were amazing and we learned a lot. For example, we learned that there are 206 bones and 250 muscles in the human body, there is a system called the immune system, and muscles are made out of tissue. We went to the MPH to see the presentations. Unfortunately some of the groups were online because they had to stay home because of COVID. The year 7s did an excellent job presenting their information. They must have been quite nervous because they had not presented to an audience since before COVID – when they were still in primary school.”
Emma – 5i
“The Year 7 body systems talk was very informative and interesting. I liked how the Year 7 students made quizzes with options for true or false. I also liked how they made many colorful slides and answered our questions. I learned a lot about body systems and how they work. I learned a lot just from the fun facts because the fun facts were educational and sometimes funny. My favorite presentations were the nervous system and the urinary system because I barely knew anything about those topics and now I know a LOT. I listened to the presentations carefully and sometimes I laughed when something funny came up.”
Matylda – 5s
“The Year 7 body system slides were very interesting because they had a lot of facts and details and they had to remember what they were going to say on stage. Some students were on zoom which can be challenging sometimes, but they tried their best and they did a fantastic job! I learned many facts. They were not all talking about the same topic, they were talking about the different systems in our bodies. I liked the skeletal system slides because they paid attention to detail and have an equal amount of pictures and words.”
Maja – 5s
“Last week I learned about the brain system, skeletal system, and hearing system. The Year 7 did a really good job explaining how the body system works. I learned a lot, such as how the brain works. The brain has two parts, the left part controls the right and the right part controls the left part of the body. The brain is really important, it controls our breathing and our heart. That’s why it’s my favorite organ in the body. I learned that we need the skeleton to have a stable body. If we don’t have bones, we will become a blob of organs. I would like to listen to more presentations from the secondary students because it was fun.”
Mimi – 5s
We are looking forward to being able to conduct more cross-school events in the future, and cannot wait to welcome Year 5 back and hear what they have been learning about.
Amanda Langley & Meredith Hauge
Year 7 Science Teachers
