Sunday, January 3, 2016

Winter trimester - brief summary

This will be a very exciting trimester. Right before the Winter break I received an email from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stating that we will be receiving the fund ($3,940) for our Schoolyard Habitat projects. I can't wait to share this news  with the kids tomorrow. They worked really hard on the proposal.


I am starting the Winter trimester talking to the kids about what scientists do  (with a focus on inquiry, answering questions). The Owls (K-1) and Eagles (2-4) will do a simple research project during the first week of school, and the crows will assess the school's carbon footprint (longer project).

After spending one week talking about what scientists do, the Owls will study space. They will learn basic astronomy concepts and will also study how humans travel to space. Teacher Juliette, teacher Becca and I have the intention of building a space station (or at least some aspects) with the kids. Kindergartners and first graders will be presenting something related to space on the science fair (Saturday, March 12).

The Eagles will conduct an experiment and then finish their weather unit. Before the break, they learned about atmospheric pressure and wind. We will review these concepts and then review the water cycle. Since weather patterns depend on wind and water currents, it is important for the kids to have this  foundation. After the Eagles complete the weather unit, they will study "Industrial revolution science". The kids will be studying the Industrial revolution with teacher Pa, and we will study energy in science. I am hoping to build a simple steam engine with the kids

The crows learned about the Paris climate conference (COP21) right before the Winter break. We will start the trimester studying the carbon cycle and assessing the school's carbon footprint. After this initial study the crows will make a comparison between energy use/efficiency now and the time period they will be studying with Chris. The kids will learn about horsepower and build boats (wind and simple motors).


Below are some pictures of the crows presenting their cell research projects. The presentations were right before the break.







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