Hello Famlies!
Well we have been quite busy since the last posting! For literacy instruction we have started tackling argumentative writing. As part of this each student has developed his/her own opinions on a wide range of important issues (Roe V. Wade, domestic vs foreign oil, animal rights, etc). What is really neat to see, is that each student's writing skills have really started to improve. If you have a moment at home, ask your child what they believe about some of these issues. I have been amazed at how mature and responsible each student has been. I am continually impressed by their ability to research an issue, civilly discuss/debate the issue, and develop their own beliefs while being respectful of opposing beliefs.
In science we finished up physical sciences with a culminating lab dealing with temperature, density, and an element of mystery. Students were given a prompt in which they were told the location of five water samples, some in the ocean, some in estuarine water, and some in fresh water. Using their laboratory skills and prior knowledge they had to test the properties of each sample, and determine the unmarked sample's original location.
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| Students using hydrometers to find density. |
Following this lab, we started biology. Right now we are working on the function of each organelle, as well as a little biochemistry. As you can see from the class photos we are using microscopes to help with the real-world connection. Today's lab was so cool! I watched each student, at different moments have this 'ah ha!' moment, where they discovered the microscopic world. Next week we will be doing genetics, and following that we will start our spring expedition!
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| Owen and Avery examining a water sample collected from Berman Park. |
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| Emma, Lee, and Beza, examining a moss sample from the Latah trail. |
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| Microscope slide prepared by Chris, Avery, Frances, Dan, and Ivy (the cells are from a flower petal) |
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