Learning How to Research

The children have been working hard to find information on their Polar animals.  They have been applying their knowledge of the non-fiction text conventions to help them easily find the facts they want to uncover.  We have spent several days pouring through books, used our iPads to find current information on the web, and have watched several National Geographic videos to gather our precise facts. Their graphic organizers include specific information about their Polar animal's habitat, adaptations that help it to survive in the harsh Polar Regions, and finally the stages of their animal's life cycle.  Please be sure to ask your child what they have learned, I know they will surprise you and make you proud!

Metric Measurements

We have been learning how to measure metrically using meter sticks, great job Ashley!  Please ask  your child how many centimeters equal one meter.

Scientists in Antarctica

We recently traveled to Antarctica and "visited" with scientists to learn about the Emperor and Adelie penguins. The students had the opportunity to participate in a webcast where scientists answered questions about their research.  The children were totally engaged and learned so much from listening and looking at beautiful photographs of Antarctica.  Here are some of the facts they recorded after our visit to Antarctica.
                                                             
                                               Test Your Own Knowledge....
Daniel learned there is one active volcano in Antarctica.
Grace G. learned that scientists need to wear sunglasses because the snow and ice reflect the bright sun.
Louie learned that the scientists celebrated the first penguin egg during their research.
Sarah learned that there are lakes and volcanoes under the ice.
Matthew learned that Antarctica is mostly land, only 2% is covered in water.
Ashley learned that Emperor and Adelie penguins live in Antarctica.
Max and Shea learned that Antarctica's lowest average temperature is minus 56 degrees.
Ella learned that the scientists wear white insulated rubber boots.
Joelle learned that scientists live in tents, but not in igloos.
Anna learned that the Antarctic scientists wore clothing that weighed over 25 pounds to help them stay warm.
Haylie learned that Antarctic's average warm temperature is 7.5 degrees.
Olivia learned that walruses do not live in Antarctica.
Noah learned that 98% of Antarctica is ice, which can be miles thick.
Grace M. learned that the sun never sets during the winter in Antarctica.
Katie learned that the Emperor penguin is the largest penguin, which can grow to 3-4 feel tall.
Charlie learned that there are no polar bears in Antarctica.
Trevor learned that there are no waves in Antarctica.

Happy 50th Birthday Steward School

In honor of celebrating the 50th birthday of Steward School the children were given a challenge. They were asked to bring in all their school materials, lunches, and snow gear in a brown paper bag just as the students 50 years ago would have done on a daily basis.  As you can see many of  the children were successful in achieving the challenge.

Learning to be Cartographers in Room 207

The children have been working diligently to learn the names and locations of the seven continents, five oceans, and several major rivers and mountain ranges of the world.  All children have now completed their world relief maps.  They can identify the location of the Andes Mountains in South America or the Yangtze River in Asia. They have learned that the Mississippi River begins in Lake Itasca and ends in the Gulf of Mexico, and is the longest river in North America.  The children have used their knowledge of cardinal and intermediate directions to help them identify the location of specific locations.  Be sure to quiz your child and test your own map skills!

Government Jeopardy

The children were "tested" on their government vocabulary terms through a fun and interactive Jeopardy game.  We partnered up with students in Mrs. McCarthy's class and answered questions as a team.  The children proved themselves experts and cheered one another along.  We answered every question on the Jeopardy board.... look out Alex Trebek, I know my students would do well to answer your questions about community and national government! I am so proud of their strong comprehension and predict that one day your child could be a political leader!