Wk 34: May 7-11, 2012

We were very busy in science this week! We are working on our SUN, MOON AND STARS science unit and went outside at different times of the day to trace our shadows. Students stood in the same place each time and their partner traced their shadow. We observed how our shadows changed given the sun's placement in the sky. Our highlight of the week, however, was celebrating International Migratory Bird Day Friday afternoon. Thank you to all the parents that joined us during our afternoon of events!

Wk 33: Apr 30-May 4, 2012

We have been learning about Native American communities in Social Studies. As a Social Studies/Art activity, students designed their own Native American inspired bracelet, explaining the symbolism of the colors, patterns and/or materials used. We are busy getting ready for our International Migratory Bird Day next week! Students finished creating their Create-A-Bird Magazine cover. They cannot wait to show-off their Ornithology knowledge!

Wk 32: Apr. 23-27. 2012

This week in math, students worked with nets and 3D shapes. In science, we did a 'sweet' moon phase lesson with Oreo cookies!

Wk 31: Apr. 16-20, 2012

The students worked hard during MCA Math and Reading tests this week! We have started working on 3D shapes and nets in math. In science, students were excited to start working on their Create-A-Bird project as part of our Ornithology Unit.

Wk 30: Apr. 9-13, 2012

We had a field trip to the Minneapolis Art Institute this week! It is so wonderful for the students to see and experience real pieces of art and use their observation skills in a new way. In science, we are studying bird beaks. Students were in the science lab doing a 'bird beak buffet' lesson were they get to investigate the various uses of the different bird beaks. It is a wonderful hands-on lesson that they enjoy. We also had a fabulous video conference with the MN Zoo about animal adaptations, with a primary focus on bird adaptations.

Wk 29: Apr. 2-6, 2012

Our class started running the School Store this week! The 3rd graders run the school store before school Tuesdays-Thursdays all year. We had two star lab lessons this week as part of our SUN, MOON and STARS science unit. Students LOVE going into the star lab and learning about the phases of the moon and star constellations. We had three black swallow tails emerge this week. With our mild spring weather we were able to release them in the afternoons.

Wk 28: Mar 19-23, 2012

We were very busy working on our Crayfish Investigation imovies this week. Students did a great job of working together and created quality products.

Wk 27, Mar 12-16, 2012

LOTS of science this week! We studied the Common Loon as part of our Ornithology unit, students planned and completed their crayfish investigation, we observed our germinating seeds as part of our Structures of Life unit and even had a black swallow tail emerge for its cocoon! These students are wonderful scientists!

Wk 26, Mar. 5-9, 2012

In science we have been studying structures. Students started working with crayfish this week, investigating them and looking at their structures. We were very excited to host our new classroom pets! At the end of the week we did some blogging about the crayfish and our experiences with them so far. Make sure to check out our blog! http://kidblog.org/Rm17ScienceBlog11-12/

Wk 25: Feb 27-Mar 2, 2012

We finally got snow this week! In science, as part of our structures unit, we took a look at various kinds of seeds and observed our plants that are beginning to grow. We also started learning about the phases of the moon as part of our SUN, MOON and STARS unit.

Wk 24: Feb. 20-24, 2012

Students have been enjoying the 'sticky' snow at recess this week. We have fields full of huge snowballs! In science, we started learning about the structures of seeds and plants. We set up a 'root view' planter and also started germinating seeds in water. We started using Sumdog, on online math website this week. Students are able to go online and practice various math facts by playing fun games against other students. They loved it!

Wk 23: Feb. 13-17, 2012

This week we dissected owl pellets as part of our Ornithology unit. The kids had a blast! It is so fun to watch them discover new things and be so excited about their learning! We had a fun Valentine's Party on Tuesday. Later in the week we had a dentist come and talk to the 3rd graders about the importance of good oral hygiene.

Wk 22: Feb. 6-10, 2012

We had a guest author come to the school this week. He did a presentation for each of the grade levels and talk to them about the writing/publishing process. Eastman Nature Center visited and did an owl lesson with us as part of our Ornithology unit. Students were so excited to see and be so close to a real great horned owl.

Wk 21: Jan 30-Feb. 3, 2012

Stages Theater Company came to our school this week and did a performance for us. The students enjoyed seeing the play. We started doing some online MCA test prep this week to help familiarize students this the MCA math test they will take later this month and again in April.

Wk 20: Jan 23-27, 2012

We went to the MN History Center this week. The students did such a wonderful job of representing our school in a positive way! We had an interesting lesson on how common tools used long ago. Each child got to participate in the lesson and touch/try the various tools/items.

Wk 19: Jan 16-20, 2012

This week we reviewed classroom expectations and procedures. In health, we are discussing how to manage stress. In science, we have been using the MN Field Guides to complete a few of the pages in our own Bird Guide books.

Wk 18: Jan 9-13, 2012

Week 17: Jan. 2-6, 2012

Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful winter break. Students have been looking for birds in the school courtyard, but most of us always seem to miss seeing them, even though we hear there are a lot of bird visiting the courtyard this winter. We took some time to update our science blog on Friday. If you haven't checked it out yet, please do! We love it when people comment on our posts. http://kidblog.org/Rm17ScienceBlog11-12/

Week 16: Dec. 19-23, 2011

This week we finished our 3D landform maps in Social Studies. The students loved the project and worked very hard. We made bird feeders to take home during science on Tuesday. We hope the birds enjoy them! On Wednesday and Thursday we took some time to celebrate all of our hard work before winter break.