Pet day - Vaseline saucers.mp4

Direct Instruction

This session shows students on a modified pet day (annual school event) creating a vaseline saucer and linking this to mathematics, patterns, symmetry, rotation, reflection.

It shows students working both indoors and outdoors and how both environments can be used seamlessly within learning. It also highlights the use of natural resources in learning.

Extended plan here

Reflection

As this is the first time I have done vaseline saucers with this age group it was really interesting to see the different level of independence and skill that year 3’s & 4’s have (only previously taught vaseline saucers to Y1 & 2’s).

This was a hugely busy day for me as a pet day organiser for our school but it was fabulous to see how students still engaged with such a simple task.

It was also great to see how student’s when we moved outside to complete the activity were able to talk about their plans, and patterns in great details.

It was interesting to note that all students participated and contributed to this activity regardless of their needs. Even special needs students produced some amazing vaseline saucers. These students were especially proud of their work.

On a completely different note. I was reminded why I don’t wear onesies at school - THEY ARE WAY TO HOT!

Class Site Content

Learning Intention

Students will use flowers to create patterns (and find rules) for vaseline saucer creation.
Students will use ideas of translation, reflection, rotation and symmetry to enhance vaseline saucers creation.

Instructions

Students plan, and then create vaseline saucers using natural resources.

Students need to use mathematical language and ideas to support this vaseline saucer creation.

Students reflect on their plan as they create and make change as and where needed.