November update

During math, both classes have been working in their math books, participating in class discussions, practicing multiplication facts and solving logic/math puzzles.

Third and fourth graders are working on multiplication and division, while fifth and sixth graders are working on fractions. Fifth graders are adding fractions while sixth graders are multiplying and dividing.

  

During science classes both groups made 3D models of California. Third and fourth graders focused on biomes and fifth and sixth graders focused on geomorphic regions of California. In addition to building models, each student had to summarize one region and present it to first and second graders.

After finishing the models, third and fourth graders continued their ecology unit by studying vernal pools and writing a book about Yosemite's micro biomes. We have a vernal pool in the classroom. Come check it out with your crow when you have a chance. : )

Fifth and sixth graders studied plate tectonics with a focus on California's formation, and then they started working on their book and independent research projects. The kids are extremely focused and enthusiastic about these projects. We can't wait to share the products with you.

Before going to the Yosemite trip, both groups used clay to illustrate some stages of Yosemite's geological formation. Lorie led a guided lesson to help the kids with this activity, and she also talked to the kids about John Muir.

Using graham crackers to model plate tectonics

Students exploring what happens at different plate boundaries 

Halloween Science 

Halloween science 

Yosemite formation clay model

September update

The crows have been working really hard in math and science. In addition to practicing place value, students have solved real world math problems, and math related puzzles. Third and fourth graders are practicing adding, subtracting and rounding numbers up to ten thousands and hundred thousands. Fifth and six graders are working with numbers up to millions, and were also introduced to negative numbers and exponents.

Please note that I am starting a new system to help students and families keep up with math homework. As mentioned during back to school night, students are expected to finish whatever work they don't complete at school at home. Whenever a student has math work to finish at home, I will make sure that  s/he will put their math book in her/his backpack and I will highlight the pages that they need to complete at home.

In science, third and fourth graders are studying ecology. We started this unit discussing what ecology is, and what ecologists do. We spent a week studying soil ecology - students learned that fungi, bacteria and invertebrates are important decomposers. They studied the school's compost and also learned about the importance of mycorrhizae fungi for plant health.

Last week the kids started making a 3D map of California illustrating the different biomes that are found in our state. We will be studying the different biomes in more depth in the near future. Next week we have a guest speaker: Andrew J. McElrone, Peregrine parent and ecologist at UC Davis, and we are also going on a short field trip on Friday.

Fifth and six graders are studying geology. We also started this unit by discussing what geology is and what geologists do. After that, students learned about the rock cycle and did a hands on lab using crayons to simulate the different types of rocks and the processes that form them. Last Monday we visited the geology department on campus. We got a tour of the rock yard, and had the opportunity to see some fossils in the paleobiology lab. Fifth and sixth graders also started to work on a 3D model of CA - their models summarize the different geomorphic regions of our state.

On Friday, September 16th, Tabatha Yang  visited Peregrine elementary. She brought a lot of interesting insects for the kids to see and hold, and she also showed the crows how to organize their insect collections.