What does it take simply to be human? Children at Upton Junior School in Broadstairs have been on a fact-finding mission to discover what makes us tick.
The Year 6 pupils soon found out there are a complex and intriguing range of aspects to the human mind and body that work in sync to give everyone their own particular character traits.
As part of a WOW Day to launch their topic, pupils undertook a range of activities and investigations.
Using Your Senses:
During this activity, they reflected on senses and used empathy to think about how they would need to adapt if they lost one of our senses.
They watched videos of amazing people who have adapted to playing sport despite their visual impairments, as well as a heart-warming film about a young girl called Lacey who, despite being born without arms, is able to draw and colour in pictures, play with building blocks and even tie her own laces.
Pupils then tried it for themselves, first drawing with their dominant hand, then their weaker hand, then their mouths and finally their feet. It was a lot tougher than Lacey made it look.
First Aid:
Andy Webb, from East Kent College, showed pupils how to perform CPR on dummies, and how to put someone into the recovery position. Whilst half the class were doing CPR with Andy, the other half researched the Red Cross, and discovered how the organisation started, about the work their members carry out, and watched videos on other aspects of First Aid.
The Body Song:
For this activity pupils created a dance move to accompany a song to help younger children learn the parts of the body. The song was a modern, hip-hop tune similar to ‘heads, shoulders, knees and toes’. Pupils said creating the dance moves to go with the lyrics was a lot of fun.
Circuit Training:
Year 6 took part in a gruelling exercise circuit in the hall, and during it they recognised and discussed changes that happened in their bodies, such as increased heart rate and breathing, aching muscles and sweating. They discussed the reasons for these changes and some of the science behind them.
Head of Year Athanasia Papa-Adams said: “The children really thought about our core value of adaptability and showed great empathy when watching and discussing the video clips.
“The impact was extremely thought-provoking and really made an impact on each and every one of them.”
Report Peter Barnett