Have a safe and enjoyable spring break!
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Weekly Update 3/12/20
We had a fun trip to the Botanical Gardens! The students listened to the story Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens in order to learn about the parts of a plant. The children learned about various fruits and vegetables they eat. They also were each able to plant a radish seed to take home. We explored the Climatron, the Temperate House, and the orchid show.
Our week was focused on wrapping up our units before break. Our science unit on matter has concluded and we will be switching back to social studies when we return. In math, we have finished up our chapter on data and graphing. After spring break, our next unit will focus on telling time. The children finished their published copies of their informational writing books. They celebrated by reading each other's work and awarding each other certificates of achievement based on what they felt was the strength of the person's writing. They had a great time presenting each other with their awards!
Friday, March 6, 2020
Weekly Update 3/6/20
In math, we have been learning about different ways to collect and display data, including tally tables, picture graphs, bar graphs, and line plots. We will finish up the last lessons next week and review for a test on Thursday. Please watch for review pages to come home.
In science students were finally able to take all they have learned about materials and use it to create models of penguin habitats. The children worked in teams based off of the materials they chose. Using two materials of their choice in addition to a cardboard box, tape, and rubber bands they had to solve two problems. They first had to find a material that was transparent so zoo visitors can see the penguins. Then, they had to choose a material that would provide insulation to keep the penguins cool in the hot St. Louis sun!
Finally, all habitat models were tested under the heat lamp with penguin ice cubes inside. Students recorded the data and found that the penguin that melted the least was in a habitat made from bubble wrap and foil.
In writing, students are continuing to finish up publishing their informational books. We have also started to create mini informational books to merge what we have learned in science and writing. Each student has selected a new zoo animal and is researching that animal's natural habitat. They will then use that information to write about how they would then design a corresponding zoo habitat. Elephants, zebras, and lions are just a few of their choices!
In reading, students are working on comparing and contrasting similar characters in books. We are currently reading The Paper Bag Princess and the Princess and the Pizza to see what is the same and what is different about the two main characters.
In science students were finally able to take all they have learned about materials and use it to create models of penguin habitats. The children worked in teams based off of the materials they chose. Using two materials of their choice in addition to a cardboard box, tape, and rubber bands they had to solve two problems. They first had to find a material that was transparent so zoo visitors can see the penguins. Then, they had to choose a material that would provide insulation to keep the penguins cool in the hot St. Louis sun!
In writing, students are continuing to finish up publishing their informational books. We have also started to create mini informational books to merge what we have learned in science and writing. Each student has selected a new zoo animal and is researching that animal's natural habitat. They will then use that information to write about how they would then design a corresponding zoo habitat. Elephants, zebras, and lions are just a few of their choices!
In reading, students are working on comparing and contrasting similar characters in books. We are currently reading The Paper Bag Princess and the Princess and the Pizza to see what is the same and what is different about the two main characters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)