Sedimentary and Igneous Rocks
/This week we studied how different rocks form. We learned that sedimentary rocks form when sediments become compacted and cemented together over time. We created replicas of sedimentary rocks using sand, shells, clay, and other small sediments. We used plaster of Paris as our cementing agent. We examined a variety of sedimentary rock samples including siltstone, silica shale, and chert. We used our microscopes to get a closer look at our rock samples. We discovered that fossils can be found in sedimentary rocks and got to examine some fossils. Students completed a nonfiction writing piece describing how sedimentary rocks form. In contrast, we learned that igneous rocks form when magna or lava cools and solidifies. We examined various samples of igneous rocks including andesite, basalt, obsidian, and pumice. We simulated igneous rocks being formed using melted crayons as magma. We learned that magma is actually melted rock. When our melted crayon “magma” cooled and solidified, it represented an igneous rock. In writer’s workshop we’ve been learning about poetry and students had an opportunity to write poems about igneous rock formation. This week we did a science demonstration to show how salt crystal can form on a nail that’s submerged in salt water. We also had a chance to pause our rock tumbler to examine the changes that occurred over the last week. We noticed that our rocks are becoming increasingly smooth and some are even changing colors to become more translucent. We were overjoyed to get to meet with our reading buddies again after a three week hiatus! Students were smiling and laughing as they shared books together. Our Otters did a great job reading with good fluency and expression to keep our young preschoolers engaged. This morning an ELC parent found a bunny outside the school that appeared to be someone’s missing pet. Mr. Mark put the bunny in our outdoor classroom to keep it safe while we attempted to find the owner and contacted a local small animal sanctuary. The bunny made a temporary home in our bioswale and we loved getting to observe it from a distance. Today students wore their tie dye garments and we got to admire their beautiful artwork. During project choice times this week Jace began directing a student play and a team of engineers collaborated to make a large Rigamajig structure.
