Around the Classroom

Tournament of Minds

Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a problem-solving program for multi-aged teams of students who work together to solve a demanding, open-ended Long-Term Challenge. The team has 5-6 weeks to formulate a solution to the challenge and create a five minute video to present their solution to a panel of judges for the Tournament Judging week. Teams have been selected by staff based on academic results and commitment to inquiry tasks. Trinity has nominated two teams this year with a potential for more teams next year.

This year’s challenge is:

People often come across unusual things in unusual places. Something extraordinary has been found . . . in an unexpected place by an out of the ordinary group. People are asking many questions, there are so many questions but so few answers. Your team embarks on a journey to find the answers.

Explain how and where your team found the amazing discovery. Outline the journey your team then takes to seek answers to the questions people are asking.

What is the amazing discovery?
Where is it from?
Who created it and why?
What was its purpose?
What is the significance and possible consequences of the find?

Your team must explain how this discovery sheds light on the past AND holds the key to the future.

Year 4

This week the Year 4 students were investigating 2D shapes and 3D objects. They began the week by identifying, sorting and discussing features that made each shape and object unique. As the week progressed, students were given manipulatives to use when providing reasons and finding more features. Students enjoyed sharing their ideas with their peers and questioning each other’s ideas if they weren’t quite convinced… Mr Niddrie was not even spared being questioned about EVERYTHING this week!

Year 4 were also experimenting forces and how they effect other objects. This week we got the good old Tug-Of-War rope out and put friction and tension to the test! The students enjoyed seeing (and feeling) the forces in action! Thank you 5/6 for coming out and helping us with the physical part of the lesson (Year 4 ended up with the win!!). Many of the students could tell me the friction between them and the ground was extremely strong… hence a mark or two on their school clothes (which Mr Niddrie said he would take the blame for)!

Buddy Activity

Year 5/6 had a very enjoyable session with Kinder/Year 1 this morning where they participated in an artwork activity to commemorate Mary for her Assumption Feast Day tomorrow. The students love their buddy sessions, its a great way for the 'little ones' to interact with older children!