November update

The owls just finished studying animals and plants that live in different habitats.  They studied the desert, the rainforest and the ocean. The kids made a book about each biome, and shared them with their buddies this week (photo below). After Thanksgiving break, the owls will start working on a play that will summarize the 3 different biomes. They will write, produce and act in the play.

The owls have been observing their garden (right outside their classroom), and found aphids and praying mantis cocoons. The pictures below were taken when we released ladybugs in the garden.

The magpies have started their animal study by taking a closer look at our bodies. We talked about the structure and function of the skeletal and muscular systems. We also discussed vertebrates and invertebrates, and dissected squids. Most kids were able to find the eyes, tentacles, arms, beak, fins, pen and ink sac.

The hawks finished their plate tectonics study. You should ask them what happens at different plate boundaries. This week the kids made a 3D map of California showing plate boundaries and indicating the relative topography. After Thanksgiving break they will learn about the formation of CA's landscape.

The crows are studying human's impact on the environment, and we were fortunate to have the opportunity to help Putah Creek council on a restoration project. Below are some pictures of the kids planting seedlings along the creek.

The crows have also continued their health study. We are very fortunate to have Colleen Callaghan, a parent who is also a pediatrician, helping me with this unit. Dr. Collaghan talked to the kids about nutrition (focus on macromolecules) and body image, and will be coming back after Thanksgiving to talk to the kids about vitamins and minerals.