UE2 Newsletter: Spring has Sprung!
Classroom News, Events, and Activities for 2015
Fish and Aquaponics
"Getting the fish was really a fun adventure that involved research and going to Pet Smart. Gianna and I were really excited when Katie told us that we could get fish for our classroom after we had studied and researched which types of fish would be able to survive in a freshwater tank. Even though I don't really enjoy doing lots of research, at the time I was still so excited. After a lot of research and reading we finally found the right 3 guppies to get. It took a lot of hard work to get a time that would work for Gianna and me to go with Laura to the store. However, after we had a decided on a time and day we prepared for going out by readying the tank and making a supply list. We then drove to Pet Smart and purchased the fish. Afterwards, we helped introduce the fish to our tank back at school. Finally, we decided on names as a class. The blue one's name is Bubbles, the red and yellow guppy's name is Mr. Fish, and the orange guppy's name is Kete."
Sofia and Gianna with our fish: Kete, Mr. Fish, and Bubbles
Ancient Egypt Research
"The ancient Egypt lesson was really cool because you are going to be able to learn about Ancient Egypt while creating 3D boards, cooking, and making tools. I think it is so much fun because you can have a partner while you do all of this stuff. My favorite part so far is doing the research. You even get to choose your topic! For instance, Zander is choosing to research the religion of the ancient Egyptians as well as their language."
Frog and Earthworm Dissections
Sascha and Aidan dissecting the contents of their frog's stomach (They found a cricket!)
Gianna and Ava dissecting their worm
Avi and Joseph are all smiles while dissecting
Thomas and Jacob in the middle of their worm dissection
Riyan and Tanner hard at work
Rachael and Polly investigating the anatomy of their frog
Peace Corner
"The Peace Corner is a place where you go if you are hyper or excited and need to calm down. In the Peace Corner there are books, a fountain, a rainstick, a zen garden and a labryinth. On the left hand side of this space a big piece of paper exists for students to draw or doodle on. On the right hand side there are the materials and the sign-up sheet. "
Aidan in the Peace Corner he helped design
Writer's Workshop
"So in Writer's Workshop all the 4th and 5th years are doing a research at present. They are required to make a 2D booklet on a topic of their choice and a 3D project such as a diorama or board game. Some topics students have chosen include 'The Attack on Pearl Harbor', 'The London Bridge', 'The Civil War', and 'The Attacks of 9-11.' This project is teaching us how to write a research paper and to really dig in and learn more on the topic of our choice."