Who Dunnit?

Thank you Shark parents who contributed to the CSI experience at the auction.  The Sharks LOVED it! Mrs. Olson and her assistant Amanda were very impressed with their reasoning skills, as they studied the crime scene to determine what happened.  After an initial investigation, the Sharks had to examine the hair, finger and footprints left behind at the crime. We practiced these skills earlier in the week so they would be prepared. One student described fingerprints like a tire tread, and that's why it leaves marks. Others observed that one piece of hair has several layers, like a pencil.

The Crime: One student was painting a picture of flowers. They left for recess and when they returned, the paint and vase of flowers were spilt, and the picture destroyed on the ground. Three students were the suspects.  Now, on to collect evidence...

You have to have the proper attire to begin

The Crime Scene...

collecting footprint evidence

finding objects with fingerprints

drawing and comparing footprint tread

looking for hair samples

examining fingerprints

using fingerprint powder for the first time

"I think I see a fingerprint here!"

A discussion about what happened

Learning by Doing with Integrated Projects

What have we not done this week???  Our Native American projects are on a roll! I modeled how to use non-fiction books to gather information about different Native American homes.  We have used math, art, and cooperative learning to build these models. We have talked about insects, and how many have similar attributes. We used pattern blocks to explore the idea of symmetry with the Superstars and Ladybugs. In Math, we read a book called Measuring Penny.  In this story, Lisa, had to do a measuring project. She chose to measure her pet Penny. She used standard and non-standard units to show length, weight, temperature, time and money to describe her dog.  So, of course, we came up with our own ways to measure ourselves too!!

Next week, CSI.  Our class won the CSI experience at the auction. Mrs. Olson has some amazing ideas that will engage your child to use cause/effect, guess and check, and overall observation and problem solving skills.  I know the class is excited for this!

Using a gram scale to measure how much food I eat

A measuring tape to find my height

How many hexagons does it take to cover my stomach?

The ruler was too short, so I had to "mark" my spot and keep going!

Last night, I measured my ear, so I am using a cm ruler to draw it.

I can measure how long it takes to do jumping jacks!

I can use markers instead of a measuring tape to find the length of my leg.

The plains tribe working together to design their teepee.

Using the book as a resource to build our plank house.

Studying the designs of the plains tribe for the teepee.

Hands-on Learning and Fun!

This trimester we are learning how people interact with their environment for survival. We cultivated our backyard garden, and prepared the seedlings to be transplanted in a few weeks. In addition, we have joined four different tribal regions, as we "become" a Native American, by examining food, clothing and shelters. We are using the skills of measuring, geometry, compare/contrast, observation, and questioning during our project time.

garden prep work...lots of fun "treasures" to be found

planting our seedlings for the garden

NW Coast tribes wore animal masks

Southwest tribes made pottery

Plains tribe used geometric shapes for their designs

CW is designing his vest