Ancient wonders

Room 4 were very busy at the end of Term 4. The whole class were super enthusiastic about our inquiry topic "Ancient Wonders". Room 4 did some initial research in buddies finding out basic information about a large number of ancient buildings. They were able to find out so much information such as where the buildings were built, when they were built and what type of materials were used to make them. Students shared all the information they found with the class. Once Room 4 finished that students began picking their own buildings. Ancient buildings that they found interesting. Each student worked individually with Miss Bridgland to create four key inquiry questions to research and answer.

Different questions asked by Room 4:

- What was the cultural significance of sporting events held in the Colleseum?

- How did people today find out what the Hanging Gardens of Babylon looked like?

- Why did they build the Acropolis on top of a hill in the middle of a town?

- Why does the Great Sphinx have a human head and the body of a lion?

- What was the purpose of the building?

- What makes the Lighthouse of Alexandria so special?

- What made King Tut so important in order for him to have such a big, lavish tomb?

Miss Bridgland challenged Room 4 to present our information without the use of a poster or a slideshow. Room 4 was able to rise up to the challenge and presented information in a range of ways. Books, 3D models, interviews and maps to name a few of the projects produced.

Take a look at what Room 4 created by travelling to different areas of the Ancient World.

Speeches

Food! Names! The everything box! These are some of the brilliant titles and topics that people had for the magnificent speeches. First we had to present our speech to our class and the best five people vs again the next day. Then three people get eliminated and the best two go through to the finals a couple of days later in front not only the 5’s not only the year 6’s but the year 4’s 5’s and 6’s! Over the next couple of days we work with our teacher and get over all the shivering nerves we practise looking up to the audience and emphasis. Then comes the nerve racking final, a lot of amazing speeches and very talented people. Finally the prizegiving. Some very sad moments for some but life-changing moments for others. The claps and cheers always bring a smile on your face. Bring on next year!

By Lucy Nevill

Lucy representing Room 4 with her excellent speech on if school would be better without boys. She sure knocked those smelly socks of the audience. Well done Lucy! 

Phenix representing Room 4 with her speech about animal testing. She shared her views on animal testing and made the audience think more about their purchases. Brilliant work Phenix!

A small snippet from Miss Bridgland:

Everyone in Room 4 presented fantastic speeches. There were so many varied topics and the hamburger template we had been practicing was being well used. I was very impressed to see students in Room 4 giving constructive feedback to one another as well as encouraging and congratulating each other. Ke te pai Ruma wha.