Bridges of the Thames

 Source: cpbs

This week, we used Thinglink to display what we had learned about some of the bridges over the Thames in Central London. We embedded text, images, video and website links into each image. Check out some excellent examples:

By Jack N. and Harry

By D and Christopher

By Maria, Jada and Stephanie

London Docklands

Today, we learned about the London Docklands and how the area has changed over time. We discovered the history of the Docklands and its ups and downs.

We made these Animoto films and Thinglink presentations, to teach others about what we now know:

https://www.thinglink.com/scene/787267975504723969

By Daniel and Jack G

Caoimhe and Erhun

Jess and Gracie: https://animoto.com/play/J3v2UWHzQaYCue81APKxUQ

Justin and Cesar: https://animoto.com/play/iNc111GORIC30I483rK5FQ

Owain and Harry: https://animoto.com/play/y21W0noZmLh3l1bqmNcyCg

Mina and Emily: https://animoto.com/play/Jf0i4zurFlCwrTBcnKzA1w

Stephanie and Maria: https://animoto.com/play/yh2qEmmQmDNGl2b4Rlj73w

Rory and Jack N: https://animoto.com/play/TUBl4Ws03xFaT5wX3ey3Uw

Darcy: https://animoto.com/play/MGnRUhlVMyjzizncF9Txpw

Sophia and Kenan: https://animoto.com/play/8GnWL4tTJUAMDwHctS9TCw

Jada and Elizabeth: https://animoto.com/play/emSk11JMsRVygbmOO08eUw

D and Christopher: https://animoto.com/play/gX7VjXemiSxcyK09xnibRw

Thames Explorer Workshop!

On Wednesday, Kate from the Thames Explorer Trust came to visit us at school. All of the children in Year 5 took part in a workshop, learning all about the Port of London.

It gave us a chance to show off what we already know about the River Thames and to learn lots of fascinating new information. We learned about shipping routes around the globe and how we import and export using the River Thames.

Kate brought along some HUGE maps for us to explore in the hall.

We also performed in some drama challenges and explored the history of the Thames from the Roman period, through its Victorian history, the closure of the Docks through to modern day London.

A Fascinating Day Out!

On Friday, we went on an adventure! We went with the charity Thames Explorer, to investigate the foreshore of the River Thames at Bankside, in front of the Globe Theatre.

 We learned about how the quality of the water in the Thames has changed over time and did some experiments ourselves.

 Also, we had the opportunity to be 'mudlarks'! In the 18th and 19th centuries, some people (usually children) in London would scavenge in the river mud to look for anything they could sell. We had a chance at being mudlarks on Friday, during low tide.

After searching the river foreshore, we discovered all sorts of treasure! What was the most interesting thing you found?

Finally, we sorted the items we had discovered into groups and discussed what they might be and when they might be from.

A fascinating day! Huge thanks from everyone in St. Clare's to Miss Bower, Mrs Cook and Mr Gibson!

Frost Fairs

Source: bbc.co.uk

Today, as part of our Thames topic, you learned about some rather fascinating historical events! We found out about the Frost Fairs, which were held on the River Thames itself. 

The worst cold spells in Britain occurred between 1550 and 1750. The climate during this time was known as the Little Ice Age, when winters were so cold that the Thames froze over each year. It was not uncommon for the freeze to last over three months, as it did in the winters of 1683 - 1684 and 1715 - 1716.

Source: Telegraph

The first recorded Frost Fair was held on the frozen river Thames in London in 1608. It had tents, sideshows, food stalls and even included ice bowling! The last Frost Fair was held in February 1814.

Why doesn't the Thames freeze any longer?

Source: walklondon

Here is the interesting video from the Museum of London that you saw today:

Source: YouTube, Museum of London

You made some posters advertising a Frost Fair, showing all of the activities and foods on offer. We'll share some on the blog soon!

Space Race and Thames Exploration!

Source: cntraveller

Next week, we will be beginning our new topics- hooray! We have lots of fun activities planned to learn about the River Thames and about Space for Science.

Get a head start by playing this fantastic activity from NASA. The Solar System mission contains lots of mini games and loads of information to help you with your new topic:

Source: http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/solar-system-explorer/en/#/review/solar-system-explorer/game.swf

Take a look at the other awesome activities for kids on the NASA website (click the picture below)- there is so much to see and play!

Source: http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/play/