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Original poster

Q for the teachers. Yr 7 volcano model

34 replies

bonkers20 · 02/06/2011 20:45

My DS is in yr 7. His geography HW is to make a model of a volcano. What is the point of this? I think he can learn what he needs to know by drawing and labelling a picture of one. It's not art where he's learning about different materials or what have you.
Model making is a chore. We are not crafty people so we need to get supplies which is a pain. I'm having trouble explaining to my DS why it's a good thing for him to do.
Comments?

OP posts:
Hullygully · 02/06/2011 22:44

As a veteran of models of mosques, alternative energy source powered islands, space station models, remote powered craft etc, I can confidently say it's to give the teachers a laugh.

Original poster
bonkers20 · 02/06/2011 22:38

Yeah, but what's the POINT?!

OP posts:
Abelia · 02/06/2011 22:37

oh good grief. I'm not a teacher or the parent of a secondary school child but this just seems to be a waste of most people's time and frankly something that should remain in primary school.

I do remember that in one subject at my school (talking 20 yrs ago now) with a notoriously slack teacher, we were always given the option to draw a picture or write about the topic, for our homework. Cue 29 people doing pretty pictures and me doing some writing.

Many children will not "love to do" this sort of thing. Making a model volcano would have taken me hours and had me weeping into my papier mache whereas writing about it or doing a simple cross section would have been waaay more satisfying, detailed, rigorous and useful, and yes, quicker.

Do other people really not think that this is just dumbing down and down and down. 11 and 12 yr olds do not need to be given this sort of work outside of art lessons.

OP, get him to do a good drawing, clear labels and a few paras about the subject. What's not to like about that?!

desperatelyseekingsnoozes · 02/06/2011 22:30

I do not teach Geography but I know ours do this task.

It is another and memorable method of learning and it is a task that lots of them love to do. I am not sure if there is another option at our school.

Original poster
bonkers20 · 02/06/2011 22:27

I want a teacher answer please! Letting off steam and having a Wine is a good alternative though in absence of this. Where are all the teachers then?!

OP posts:
Goblinchild · 02/06/2011 21:07

Smile Do you want a teacher answer, or do you just want to let off steam and have a Wine ?

DeWe · 02/06/2011 21:06

Dd1 was meant to do this is in year 3. Luckily for her (we're not crafty people either) her teacher added they could do a project on it as an alternative. She felt particularly pleased she'd chosen this when she saw the other classes struggling in with fragile models. Grin
Could he do a project with a cross section drawing instead?

Original poster
bonkers20 · 02/06/2011 21:05

Yes, but there are no prospective parents looking around in the last 1/2 term of the school year! Try again!

OP posts:
LynetteScavo · 02/06/2011 20:47

It impresses prospective parents when they are looking around the school.

(Disclaimer I am not a teacher, just a parent easily impressed by 3D models)

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