Geography Explorations
/This week we continued our exploration of mapping and geography. We received updates from Flat Stanleys in West Virginia, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Seattle, Belgium, and Norway. We received a mystery fruit from Texas that we had to research to identify. We examined this fruit under the microscope and determined that it was a maclura pomifera, otherwise known as osage orange, hedge apple, or monkey brain fruit. This week our student cartographers worked individually or in teams to create imaginative island maps. For this project students had to come up with physical features to add to their maps and were required to ensure that their maps had a title, key, and compass rose. Many groups used their creativity to add whimsical ideas and details to their maps. We will be finishing these maps and sharing them with the class next week. This week we noticed that our alevins have grown increasingly active. We anticipate them being ready to release in about two weeks. Outside students were delighted to find huge piles of leaves to a play in and a dusting of snow on Tuesday. We had some muddy games of capture the flag and also created large, collaborative obstacle courses. We answered an investigation question about water molecules and had an interesting discussion about elements and the periodic table (we've had some quite advanced questions come up this year! Hydrogen bonds aren't typically a topic taught in first and second grade). Ms. Ren came in with her puppets to lead us in some discussions about equality vs. equity. We have been discussing fairness and how in our community we make sure that everyone has his/her needs met, even if everyone's needs aren't the exact same. This week we've also been discussing kindness and how to spread kindness in our community. We've been working on being "kindness ninjas" who stealthily do good deeds and spread kindness, even when no one is watching! Two days this week we drew names to write secret warm fuzzies for a classmate. It was great fun watching students light up when they received their warm fuzzies. We will continue this emphasis on spreading kindness throughout the month. Below I’ve also posted some photos of new Lego and Rigamajig structures, at the request of our students. Be sure to check our Flat Stanley blog to see our latest Flat Stanley updates as well.
