Around the same time we practiced writing clear, precise instructions during a "monster exchange" with Mrs. Heiss's class. Groups worked together to create monsters and then wrote step-by-step directions for drawing each monster. The classes exchanged directions and then tried to follow each other's instructions to duplicate the monster drawings. What fun to compare the original drawings with the duplicates! What valuable lessons we learned about the importance of sequence and clarity in writing instructions!
Collaboration with classmates within the classroom and between the classes really enhances learning. We helped each other learn about time:
We worked with 3H on some science experiments in our unit on the Earth and its resources. For example, we made a model of a glacier and observed how it could cause weathering and erosion.
We used a Milky Way candy bar to simulate the layers of the Earth and its tectonic plates. The chocolate "plates" slid on the caramel, forming mountains and causing earthquakes. The best part was eating the experiment when we were all finished!
Thanksgiving gave us an opportunity to spend time with our senior buddies. They entertained us with a poem at lunch and then joined us back in the classroom for some games. We love when Kush, Katie, and Valentina come for visits.
Our trip to Kateri Environmental Center was great fun, and we learned so much. Our focus was on how Native Americans depended on nature for their needs. We gathered leaves and berries to make natural dyes and learned Native American songs, stories, and games. We even chose Native American names based on our personalities and held a naming ceremony.
Speaking of nature, we embarked on a project with 3H and Mrs. Burg. We planted daffodil bulbs and will carefully monitor their growth. We recorded data such as the air and soil temperature and the latitude/longitude of our site; we will share this information with other school groups around the world who are also planting and then compare sprouting times.
Before we left for December break, we tried out our new science kit with an experiment on how slope affects the rate at which water flows downhill. Squeals of delight were heard coming from the science lab as 3M conducted water droplet races. We can't wait until we get to try other activities from this kit.
In December we also shopped at the Holiday Boutique and had our Willy Wonka chocolate party, complete with chocolate river, chocolate fountain, and chocolate games.
Finally, we dressed up for our Holiday Concert. Check out these gorgeous students!
