GLF Schools

GLF Schools

GLF Schools was founded in 2012 in order to enable the federation of Glyn School (an academy in 2011) and Danetree Junior School. Together, we began our journey to become a MAT of more than 1000 talented staff working with over 10,000 children in 40 schools across 5 regions in southern England.

Our Schools

Banbury Region

Banstead Region

Berkshire & Hampshire Region

Caterham Region

Crawley Region

Didcot Region

Epsom Region

London Boroughs

Redhill Region

Sunbury & Camberley Region

Wider Curriculum Autumn 1

How Can Data Help Us Understand the World Around Us?

Big Question:
How can we reduce the rate of evaporation in a bird bath?

Bird Baths

Overview

This term, Year 4 will explore states of matter, the water cycle, and how temperature affects solids, liquids, and gases. Children will apply this scientific knowledge to design and create a bird bath that reduces evaporation. They will also develop skills in art (clay sculpture), design technology, and geography.

What Will Children Learn?

  • Science:
    • Compare and group materials as solids, liquids, or gases.
    • Investigate how temperature changes states of matter.
    • Understand evaporation and condensation in the water cycle.
  • Art:
    • Develop clay modelling techniques (coiling, joining, smoothing).
    • Create a 3D sculpture using clay.
  • Design & Technology:
    • Design and make a functional product based on a design brief.
    • Evaluate prototypes and refine designs.
  • Geography:
    • Understand the water cycle and how climate change impacts it.

Key Experiences

✅ Hands-on science investigations into freezing, melting, evaporation, and condensation.
✅ Designing and creating clay prototypes of bird baths.
✅ Testing prototypes for effectiveness and refining designs.
✅ Exploring global issues like water scarcity and climate change.

Why This Matters

This project combines science, art, and design to solve a real-world problem. It helps children understand sustainability and develop practical skills while encouraging creativity and critical thinking.

How You Can Support at Home

  • Talk about the water cycle and where children see evaporation and condensation in daily life (e.g., boiling kettle, bathroom mirrors).
  • Explore local wildlife and discuss why birds need access to water.
  • Encourage creative design ideas and discuss how shape might affect evaporation

The Final Outcome

By the end of the term, children will:

  • Design and make a bird bath using clay.
  • Test and evaluate their product against the design brief.
  • Understand how science and design can work together to solve environmental challenges.