Gr 5 teachers launched into the practical task of creating a frame structure made of straws to support a paper elephant.
The Primary Science Programme offers a range of in-service teacher training workshops at Edith Stephens Nature Reserve in Philippi. https://www.psp.org.za/about
Skeletons are strong frame structures
Animals need a skeleton to support their bodies so that they can move around, find food and escape from dangers. Some animals have skeletons on the outside of their bodies like crabs and insects while animals with backbones have a skeleton made of hard, strong bones on the inside of their bodies. Bones are attached together with tendons and muscles at the joints.
Teachers learnt how to roll paper into struts that can be used to make strong frame structures like a square and a triangle
Which do you think is the strongest?
The challenge for teachers is to provide an activity that demonstrates how the skeleton of an animal with a backbone is a strong frame structure with joints enable the animal to move the body around.
Making a skeleton with joints
Paper struts can be joined with metal fasteners. A punch is useful for making the holes.
This group had an advantage…… someone who has done this activity before.
Teachers enjoyed the challenge and learnt a lot in the process. They all agreed that children will enjoy doing this activity but that the assessment of projects completed is the difficult part
Teacher comments
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I found the course very useful. It got to answer some of the questions that I needed answered. I feel equipped with the necessary skills to make a model myself and present it to the learners. Very informative. Good job. Chevone Fester NST Gr 5 Silverstream Primary
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Good balance of information and practical activities. Thankyou. M Gamieldien Gr 5 NST Imperial Primary
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I enjoyed the course because it is my first time to teach the subject. I will definitely use what I have learnt in my class Nomntu Lusisi Gr 5 NST Sokhanyo
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