The children transformed recyclables, which they had been collecting over the past months, into the form of dinosaurs as our P4 topic on Bones and Dinosaurs came to a creative end.
Much maths was incorporated into this seemingly creative task, through shape awareness, balance, symmetry and measures.
Dinosaur spikes and bumps were recreated using egg holders, bottle tops, card board and yogurt pots. Hose piping was a very popular choice for tails and horns, whilst the cuboid boxes were perfect for long necks. The reliable toilet roll tubes morphed into legs and the need for additional weight on tails was added using tape or bottle tops.
A lot of problem solving was required to attach sections to pieces of varying shape or material. The children discovered that it was difficult to stick objects together and even harder to keep them together. The merits of packing tape, rather than painters tape, is (according to P4) the best bonding tape to use.
Through the sharing of ideas, team work, resource recommendations, problem solving and of course laughter, was had a wonderful afternoon. This was an intense activity and much quality discussion was evident during the model building experience.
There were fantastic dinosaurs on display in P4 room. They were admired, photographed and sent home at the request of their creators. Each piece is a personal triumph for each child. The perfect end to a great topic.
