We have been reading about Elizabethan times. We were inspired by the slashed style of clothing of the time to make these slashed fabric art pieces. The children used the sewing machine to make some basic outlines on a stack of felt and organza. They used tiny scissors to cut away the fabric to reveal the layers beneath. To give it that royal look they attached gold flakes and lots of gems.
As part of our history lessons we have been studying stained glass windows. The children made these lovely examples using Paint and Peel; a type of paint that dries with a clear plastic texture and can be peeled off and stuck to windows.
This week we visited the free Spirit of ANZAC Centenary Experience at Perth Exhibition centre. An audio guide takes you round the exhibits, films, photographs and trenches of WW1 and other conflicts. The photos are a little grainy as the exhibition is quite dark and flash photography is not allowed.
Today we went to visit the birds at Eagles Heritage. The centre rescues injured birds and where possible returns them to the wild. Those that cannot be returned to the wild are given a permanent home. We took the bush walk around the aviaries and then watched the free flight bird show. Our presenter had lots of great information about the birds. Did you know that owls can see the ultraviolet light from mouse urine and your perfume and antiperspirant! Owls can also rotate their heads 355 degrees. Sadly we also found out that Australia is the only country in the World that allows the shooting of their national eagles including those listed as endangered.
Today we cycled about 10km around Margaret River including the new pines mountain bike trails. Everyone did really well especially L on her tiny bike with no gears.
We also tried the sensory trail through the forest. A rope leads the way whilst you are blindfolded.
Today we visited Mammoth Cave (named for it's size, not because there were mammoths there) and the unlit Calgardup Cave.
Mammoth cave was truly huge and full of beautiful formations. Many fossils of extinct and living species have been uncovered here including marsupial mega-fauna. The cave has an informative audio guide about the cave's formation, discovery and wildlife.
We took the short bush walk back to the visitor centre
Our last cave of the trip was Calgardup cave. It was exciting to descend into the darkness with just a torch and hard hat. Although there was no rock scrambling we had to crouch down low in places. We managed to spot some tiny cave shrimps in the stream running through the cave.
Stalactites with tree-like growth rings
R spent the afternoon on the beginners mountain bike trails.
