Science Enthusiasts in the Making!

First of all, thank you for attending your child's conference before Spring Break. I know it meant a lot for each and everyone in our class for you to come in and view the work they were so proud to create. 

Second, I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break. We are now down to the wire and the school year will feel like it goes even faster if that is possible. I can not believe we are already into April. 

Third, I apologize for the delay. I had the blog almost ready to go this weekend, when the stomach flu hit our house. It started with one child and ended up taking them both down over the last few days. Not much fun for any parent, let alone an 8 1/2 month pregnant mom who is nesting. Let's just say, my house is now deep cleaned and sanitized. However, I am very tired! :) 

Math- In math last week we finished up our geometry unit and reviewed the attributes of a 2-D and 3-D shape. We also practiced finding faces, edges, and vertices on 3-D shapes. This week we started our unit on time. So far the kids have been asked to review how to tell time on an analog clock and estimate time. We will continue this unit through this week and next. 

Reading- Last week in reading we read a section from Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan. 

 

In the late 19th century a widowed Midwestern farmer with two children, Anna and Caleb, advertises for a wife. When Sarah arrives she is homesick for Maine, especially for the ocean which she misses greatly. The children fear that she will not stay.

This week we are reading  The Journey: Stories of Migraton by Cynthia Rylant. 

 

In this story we follow the majestic migrations of caribou, locusts, gray whales, terns, and more creatures who must travel to survive.

Writing- Last week we started our poetry unit a little early. April is "National Poetry Month" and I like to introduce the class to as many different forms of poetry as I can. Last week we started off talking and practicing alliteration. This week we are working on similes. We will continue to build our poetry knowledge and soon will create our own poetry using a wide variety of formats.

 Science- Last week we started our Kitchen Chemistry adventure. Our class has always liked science, but they are begging for more with this unit and I am loving every minute of it! 

 

On Monday- We started off slow and completed an activity called "Milk Color Lab." The class loved it. I included a little deeper science lesson from one of my favorites: Steve Spangler. Feel free to check it out below.

 On Tuesday, we did not have science due to Mrs. Shield's coming in to teach her guidance lesson. 

On Wednesday we doubled up on science. First we talked about chemical reactions and what causes them to happen. Baking soda and citric acid are not very exciting when they are mixed together by themselves, but what happens when water joins the party? A chemical reaction! Seeing is believing. 

Part 2 of Wednesday included what we had just learned about carbon dioxide and chemical reactions but in high voltage form- Mentos and pop! I wish I had more pictures and/ or video but I was doing well just to try and get out of the way in my current large state. :) I am including a video that may help you get an idea if you have never seen this done before. 

Thursday- We continued the test with acid and baking soda. We now know that baking soda fizzes when it is mixed with something else that has acid in it. Acid is a chemical substance, it is often a corrosive or sour tasting liquid. Corrosive substances will damage other substances that they touch. We tested out some liquids to see if they are acidic or if they had acid in them. If a liquid is mixed with baking soda and it fizzes a lot it is a very strong acid. If the liquid is mixed and doesn't fizz, it is not an acid at all. 

Friday- As we have learned when baking soda comes in contact with an acidic solution, it will fizz up because a chemical reaction is happening and carbon dioxide is being released. It's the same carbon dioxide humans breathe out as they exhale. When something is dense, it means the stuff is made out of is tightly packed together. If something is less dense, the tiny particles are less packed together. That means the particles would be free to float on top of the things that are more dense. First, we conducted a density test. Second, we created a volcanic effect. 

 

 

I am having some issues loading the videos from my phone. I will continue to work on this! :) 

 

Upcoming dates: 

Thursday, April 3rd- Music Informance

Monday, April 7th- Friday, April 11th- Iowa Assessments-
Just a reminder, we are taking Iowa Assessments all week, please talk to your child about trying their best. Ways to help your child get ready for the assessments are 1) to get a good night sleep, 2) eat a nutritious breakfast, 3) dress comfortable (our room does tend to get very warm).  There will not be a reading quiz or spelling test this week.

Wednesday, April 9th- 1:15 Dismissal

Thursday, April 10th- I will be gone in the afternoon for a PBIS coaches meeting at Grant Wood AEA (Mrs. Connie Randall will be subbing in our room)

Wednesday, April 15th- TAX DAY! This is a BIG deal in my house! :) 

Wednesday, April 23rd- I will be gone in the morning for a doctor's appointment

Wednesday, May 7th- My due date

Have a great rest of the week!

 Mrs. Jodie Yuska