We had another successful STEM day on Wednesday. As teachers from other schools observed our class wowed them with their abilities to work together in groups. It is very obvious they have been collaborating and communicating in groups since K. They can even tell you what those words mean. Their challenge was to create a unique animal designed to survive in one of the regions of GA, using the available materials (toilet paper rolls, felt, cardboard, cotton balls, brads, etc.) The animal had to be 3D, no longer than 1 ft., and be able to stand on its own. First, each group decided what region of GA they wanted. Then each child drew a diagram or described their animal and what adaptation it had that helped it survive in that region. Next the groups planned, negotiated, and finalized their animal. Finally, the fun part - when they built the animal. Many visiting teachers were amazed by their creativity and abilities to make sure each student had a job and stayed engaged. Only one teacher asked me if I thought STEM was successful. All the others could see the results for themselves! Ask your child about his/her group's animal - its region, what it eats, how it protects itself, how it protects itself, and its unique adaptations. You could also discuss any problems the group had and how they solved them. I consider this part one of the most important parts of STEM. Another day of fun learning with high engagement at Tritt!
REMINDERS: -Thursday, March 1 is Read Across America Day - everyone should wear PJs (if they want ), bring a pillow (only), and we'll have some extra reading time that day. THE WEEK WE RETURN: Reading and Writing: Students will be writing, revising, editing, and publishing their animal reports. We will also continue to use the Common Core Coach book to apply the reading strategies we've been learning all year. On Monday students will bring home a practice story and have 2 nights to complete the questions for homework. You will begin to get a feel for what the Milestones questions will look like. Math: We need a few more days to practice elapsed time and then we'll move to measuring mass and volume. Science: We have 2 more regions to visit. Then students will be able to use all of the resources we've made to create a flipbook and show me what they know. This will be their final assessment for our region study. Social Studies: After we finish our region study we will study our next American hero, FDR. Have a wonderful week off!!
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AuthorMrs. Amy Benson Archives
December 2018
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