Living and Non-Living

The students visited the garden to determine various living and non-living objects. They then drew pictures to show their understanding.

Edmodo

Our class has been using Edmodo in the computer lab to help learn more technology skills. We have also been using it to practice our content subjects in fun ways. For example, when we were studying space, we used the Earth and Space app to practice putting the planets in order. To review telling time, we used the Time Teacher app. The students have also used Edmodo as a place to take quizzes, polls, and answer questions. The students answered what types of non-fiction subjects they would like to research, where they would like to go on a field trip, and more. Parents, I've sent home login password cards previously along with the permission slip. If you need another set of cards, let me know. There are several resources in our class folder in Edmodo that your child can use to learn at home.

Working in the Garden

We recently received potatoes to plant in the school garden. To prepare for the planting, four first grade classes teamed up with a third grade class and a fifth grade class to clean up in the garden. Everyone pulled weeds, picked up trash, added fertilizer, and turned the soil. We cut up the potatoes to let them air dry over the weekend. Early next week we will be planting them.

Living or Non-Living

We recently visited the school garden during science to identify objects as living or non-living. After exploring, they drew pictures of their findings. They circled living objects in red and non-living objects in blue and created a key for their illustration.

Night and Day

In science we learned about the differences between night and day. We learned about stars, moon phases, and the rotation of Earth around the sun. The students illustrated their understanding of the cycles of day and night on a circle template.

Wind

In science we went outside to learn more about wind. We talked about what it looks and feels like when the wind is calm and when it is windy. The students experimented with the wind's movement with objects like streamers, luau necklaces, and plastic bags.

 



Sources of Water

In science we have been learning about various water sources. The students created foldables to illustrate rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, oceans, and glaciers. They label whether each source of water was fresh or saltwater, whether it was an open or closed water source, as well as its relation to land (i.e. land on both sides, land all around, etc.). They also brainstormed ways we use water. They illustrated at least four ways we use water.

Magnetic or Non-Magnetic?

We went to the science lab so the students could explore with magnets. They were given various types of magnets to see what would happen when they put them together. They learned that magnets can push and pull. They were also given various objects to test to see if they were magnetic or non-magnetic. They recorded their findings on a t-chart.

Changes Caused by Heat

During science the students have been experimenting with changes caused by heat. They observed what happens to ice and crayons when exposed to heat. They also brainstormed other objects that change when heated. They then chose one thing to illustrate before and after being exposed to heat.

Natural vs. Artificial Sound and Light

In science we have been studying about various sources of sound and light. We recently went to the school garden to experiment with various sources. The students listened for natural and artificial sounds and light and recorded them on construction paper. They then illustrated at least one example of each.

Physical Properties

In science the students learned about various physical properties. They explored various objects and described them on a graphic organizer based on their color, texture, shape, and size. To further explore the concept, the students glued down various objects onto handprint template to feel various texture.

Weather Safety

In science we learned about various types of weather. As a part of our lessons, we discussed the proper clothing and tools needed to stay safe in various weather conditions. The students then illustrated a picture for each type of weather to show their understanding of these tools and proper clothing.

Animal Habitats

In science we have been learning how animals are dependent on their environment and the specials characteristics they have to make them suitable for that habitat. We looked at pictures and discussed the tundra, ocean, desert, grasslands, and rainforest. We then charted what physical features each habitat had. We followed that up by listing animals that live in each environment and what features they had to help them survive there. The students then chose four of the habitats to write about. They also drew one animal that could be found in each.