During our current exploration of the various forms of technology in the world, the boys in Year 4 have been delving deeper into this issue through their current Unit of Inquiry, How We Organise Ourselves.

Separated into groups of 5, the boys were given separate headings under which their research should focus. These were technologies related to the Medical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Communications and Digital Industries.

Here are a few of the interesting facts the boys discovered through this short journey:

1. Some machines may seem simple, however, they provide us with the means to do many things.
2. When sending a message, it must be encoded by the sender and decoded by the receiver.
3. Seventy-two percent of Apps are aimed at toddlers and pre-schoolers.
4. The steam engine was one of the first inventions within the Industrial Revolution of the 19^th century.
5. There are currently more than 500 000 different forms of medical technology in our hospitals.

The approaches to learning in which the boys were engaged were mainly surrounding research and communication skills. They were tasked with optimising their time, working effectively within their groups and presenting their findings clearly. Overall, I’m very pleased to say, they managed to achieve all 3 aspects of their learning. 

The purpose of this exercise was to set up the boys for future learning within the unit. As a summative assessment task, the boys will be asked to invent something that can potentially solve a perceived problem in their world or beyond. Knowing what kind of technology is available in the 21^st century will help them when the assessment is due. They will need a broad range of choices to make their job easier. 

The world is a big place with many needs, past, present and future, to be solved. This task is just a small step into a future when it could well be their reality and not just for their learning development. 

Mr Edwards – Year 4 Teacher