Acid Rain Continued...

We've used our research skills to uncover the solution to our curious acid rain test results!  Although the rain over the entire Gray Area is acidic, only some of the waterways are unhealthy for fish due to pH.  Students found that part of the Gray Area has large amounts of limestone that neutralize the acid and make the water livable for fish.  They also discovered that the Gray area acid rain problem is largely cause by cars and trucks, clearing the Toy Factory as a prime suspect.  We also spent time discovering possible solutions to the acid rain problem.

Creativity was also a focus.  Students used originality and design thinking to develop a perfect hat to help our friends the Ats who are plagued by pesky gnats!  Take a look at some of their clever ideas!

Jones Gap Field Study

We had a wonderful learning experience at Jones Gap!  Students explored the river and forest systems of the park.  They were able to use field guides for plant and animal identification, conduct several water quality tests, and understand the important interactions between the two habitats. Thanks to all our wonderfully behaved students and fantastic chaperons!

Second Grade Sticks to It!

Today our second graders stepped up to the challenge of stretching their brains.  We went back to the basics and focused on having a growth mindset and persisting when faced with challenges.  We watched the saga of MoJo and his journey to understand his brain.  With each segment, students accomplished a brain stretching challenge of their own.  

First we did some brain research and each student was able to bring a new fact to share with the group.  Using the book, My Dog is as Smelly as Dirty Socks by Hanoch Pivens, we talked about similes and wrote our own to compare our brains to various objects.  The students used various objects and a lot of creativity to make self-portraits and describe themselves as learners using comparisons to the objects they chose.

 

 We also tried our hand at some pentamino puzzles, Rush Hour, and Set as well as some teasers from our brain stretcher packet.  I was impressed with the student's ideas for rewriting some common phrases that keep us from taking advantage of growing our brain.

It's good enough -----> I can do better!

I made a mistake ------> Now I know how NOT to do it!

I don't understand------> I can ask for help when things are hard.

I'm not good at this----> I can keep trying and get better.

I give up-----> I'll try it again!

This is too hard! --------> This is challenging!

Is it lunch yet? --------> I need some more energy for all my hard work.

Jones Gap Preparation

Third graders embark the week after spring break on our mountain trip to Jones Gap State Park.  We spent today preparing by doing some vocabulary review.  Students can continue to practice the must-know terms at this link.  We also looked at water quality test we will conduct at the park, layers of the forest, and life cycles of some of the macro-invertebrates we hope to find.  Students did a great job researching and composing their expert cards highlighting one of the many living organisms that calls Jones Gap home.

Gabe Expert Card

Elijah Expert Card

Jared Expert Card

Cameron Expert Card

Ariana Expert Card

Alyssa Expert Card

Carter Expert Card

Acid Rain

Today students looked at acid rain as the possible culprit in the case of the dying fish of Gray Area. They tested the acidity of the Gray Area rain and also that of of the different bodies of water in the region.  We found some interesting results.  Next week we will learn more about acid rain and consult with the our next suspect, the owner of the toy factory, to try to make sense of our findings.

We also continued our novel study of Listening to Crickets, began some research on the student selected plants and animals of Jones Gap to prepare our expert cards for the field study, and heard some more systems project presentations.

Richland County Judicial Center Field Study

We had a fantastic time observing the trial of Mr. Sticky Fingers and the case of the stolen cell phone. Students got to hear opening statements, observe evidence and witness testimonies from both the prosecution and defense, and take part in the the final verdict.  The beautiful day and outdoor lunch were a hit as well!

Jury duty.

The judge and courtroom clerk.

The prosecutor addressing the jury.

The Defense answers student questions.

Second Grade Math Bingo

We were flying solo today with our third graders on field study this week.  We took the opportunity to wrap up our first math topic on organizing data.  Students completed a choice menu to review finding median, mode, and range, and then showed their progress on a topic check-up.

Math Bingo Links:
Mean, Median, Mode Toads Video

Top 10 Baby Names

Lunch Choice Poster

Online Game 1

Online Game 2

Online Game 3