Weekly Update- 12/2

This week in science we reviewed the different types of weather instruments by playing a game.  We then began studying the water cycle.  As a kickoff, we set up an experiment using a balance and 2 wet paper towels.  We placed one paper towel in a sealed container on one side of the balance, the other we left in an open container on the other side.  At the start of the experiment, the balance was equal; however, when we came into school the next day we found that the balance was no longer equal!  We had a great discussion about what caused the imbalance, which was that the water in the paper towel left out in the open evaporated. 

 

After this experiment, the students watched a video explaining the water cycle, practiced putting the steps in order, and then designed their own picture of the water cycle.  We will continue our weather unit next week.

In math the students worked in groups on center activities to review for the test.  We began Topic 6 and have started to learn more multiplication facts.  Keep practicing at home!

We studied the author, Beverly Cleary in reading.  On Monday we watched an interview with the author and began reading the book, Ramona Quimby Age 8.  The students each read a book by Beverly Cleary independently and completed a reading log describing the reading strategies they used.  Each day some students used the netbooks to research the author and the main character of their book.  We kept a class list of information we gathered about Beverly Cleary.

The students enjoyed this week of writing because it was spent in the computer lab!  They retyped their descriptive paragraphs from earlier in the year and worked to edit and revise them in Microsoft Word.  

In Fundations, we began unit 6 which focuses on schwa.  A schwa is when a vowel makes a sound different from what is expected.  For instance, in the word melon, the o makes the sound of a short i.  In grammar the students practiced combining and expanding sentences.  After learning this skill on Wednesday, they practiced it in computer lab when revising their descriptive paragraphs.  In Spanish we continued to review numbers 1-10.

Thank you to all the families that sent in food for the food drive!  Alpine School collected an enormous amount of food!  Don't forget to send in money for the holiday shop on Monday.  Have a great weekend!