In groups of three, students worked together for the purpose of building a model that could help others understand a scientific phenomena. Each group researched and discussed facts about their topic, brainstormed model ideas, sketched them, gathered supplies, created the model, and practiced how to use the model to teach the concept to the class. The presentations were creative and helpful. They also led to follow-up discussions.
In groups of three, students worked together for the purpose of building a model that could help others understand a scientific phenomena. Each group researched and discussed facts about their topic, brainstormed model ideas, sketched them, gathered supplies, created the model, and practiced how to use the model to teach the concept to the class. The presentations were creative and helpful. They also led to follow-up discussions. Fifth grade has their own recess time on occasion, like this week when we joined Mrs. Tranter's class outside. The mild weather lately has been perfect for being outside! In the classroom, Mrs. Moore, our school social worker, has joined us for some discussions about how to include others, how to navigate friendships, and how to solve conflict. Mr. Chung, Mrs. Brinkman, Mrs. FitzPatrick and I proudly accepted the 2017 National Blue Ribbon Award, along with 341 other schools. This event was held in Washington D.C. I felt honored to be part of the committee who wrote the application last spring and later was selected (randomly) to travel to D.C. to receive the award. The four of us also toured monuments, memorials and Smithsonian museums during our visit. After all of the planning, drafting, revising, and proofreading, students' personal narrative essays are masterpieces! Several shared their essays with the whole class. Afterward, they received specific, positive feedback both out loud and on notecards, written by classmates. Yesterday, the rest of our class shared and received feedback in small groups. It was fun having lunch with these fine fellows! We caught up on the latest sports, Halloween costumes and other activities. After eating, they boys enjoyed goofing around with toys from the bin labeled, "This bin is for special lunches only!" It's filled with little gadgets, soft balls for tossing around, spinners, wind-up toys, and a lot more. Thanks to Mrs. Gunderson, Mrs. Campbell, and Mrs. Thielen, our class enjoyed a super-fun party! We created our own stuffed owls, then broke into stations... spider web weaving/spider throwing, slime-making, and colorful bottle flipping. We ended with a mummy wrap. Our fifth graders ended their elementary years with a terrific Halloween. Thanks to everyone who contributed needed items! |
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