Learning about skinks and bees - linking literacy and science

In term 2,  Rua learnt about skinks and bees as part of our focus on information texts.  This project combined learning in reading, writing, science and Education for Sustainability. 

Some groups read about what skinks need in their habitats. Another group read about how bees and bee-keepers work together to make and collect honey.

Table by Cassandra

As part of their reading activities the students investigated Pukerua Bay School's skink garden and assessed how well it met the skinks' needs. Some students suggested there was too much shade for the skinks who need sunny spots to bask.

"Our learning helps our community."

Catherine Lunjevich visited to show us her new bee-keeping suit and equipment.

"Our community helps us to learn."

As well as traditional print books, the students independently read ebooks on EPIC! Some of these books were read aloud, and others had video content. This allowed everyone to participate no matter what their reading ability.

The students used their new knowledge to create their own information texts.

What is a skink?
A skink is a reptile. It is about the size of your finger. It is covered in scales. A skink has no eyelids so they have to lick their eyeballs. They are very small - like miniature. Be careful because you can step on it.
By Fletcher
Mokomoko is the maori word for skink. Their predators are cats, rats, mouses, and hedgehogs and if a cat attacks a skink its tail will fall off and the next days its tail will grow back. Skinks also have tails.
By Leo

Skink illustration by Paige.  

What is a bee? 
A bee is a type of insect that makes honey that we put on toast. They have four wings and have a stinger.
By Finn

A bee is an insect. They make honey. I love bees. The yellow is as bright as the sun.
By Orion 

Bee illustration by Alex

After drafting their information texts, the students were free to publish in any way they liked. Some made posters. Others made Google slides or Google docs.

Poster by Sienna

Slides by Ayla and Sofia

Poster by Harry and Leo 

This was a great project, and I enjoyed learning alongside the children. Near the end, Stella said "I want to know if all skinks don't have eyelids, or just some." We did some research and discovered we'd been wrong. Skinks do have eyelids, while geckos don't have eyelids and need to lick their eyeballs. Fantastic question Stella!