lee's classroom

Dear Parents/Carers,

This term as a part of our Chemical Science unit the Year 3/ 4 students will be investigating the physical properties of various materials, and how these properties can influence their use. At the end of unit students will use this understanding to complete a design brief which will require them to design a suitable package to transport a selected item through the post. The product package will need to satisfy a range of criteria that will be established during the unit.

To assist with this classwork we are seeking your assistance in a couple of areas.

1. We ask that parents/ carers, when the opportunity arises please acknowledge and discuss the various forms of package that you and your child come across on a day to day basis.

This could be anything from the pasta you cook for dinner to your latest online shopping delivery.

Areas of discussion could include:

• What is the material?
• How suitable is its design and construction?
• What could you replace it with?
• Where does it end up after it’s served its purpose, any environmental impacts?

It is really helpful for your child if these are open questions leading them to think through their responses, and allows them to generate any subsequent questions. The aim if increase their awareness and skills of observation while building on what is being explored in the classroom.

2. The second area you can help is allowing your child to collect a range simple materials they can use when they come to design their own packaging during the second half of the term. Again we ask this is driven by the students, allowing them to develop their sense of questioning and investigation. While we won’t be looking at large amounts we want students to think about suitability and quality and collect a variety to allow for experimentation. We will also be explaining to students that this is a collaborative unit and they should be prepared to share any materials they bring that they may not end up using themselves.

Thank you for support with this classroom activity and we look forward to seeing what the students come up with.