August 25 – 29
We have finished our ERB and placement assessments. The students did a great job getting through all of these tests. They will be going to their tentative literacy and math classes this Tuesday. (There may be some shuffling around of students until we feel we have them placed where their needs will most sufficiently be met.)
During the breaks between tests, we’ve been moving forward with science and social studies. In science, we studied the water cycle more in depth. We watched a video from Bill Nye, the science guy. Afterwards, we constructed mini water cycles using cups and zip lock bags.
In order to conduct a proper experiment, we need to understand the scientific method. We did an activity in which we observed things around our classroom, then were asked questions about it. We also discussed the difference between observing and inferring. Finally, we reviewed the steps of the scientific method.
They have a quiz on water on Wednesday. They should bring home their study guide Tuesday night. It’s a short quiz over the percent of drinkable water on earth and five sources of water.
In social studies, we reviewed the Colorado state flower, tree, etc. Then using a map of our state, we located cities, rivers, and mountains from A to Z.
Their weekly folders will be going home on Tuesday. There is a field trip permission slip to Dinosaur Ridge on Thursday, September 18th. They’ll be learning about the landforms of ancient Colorado with a two hour guided tour.