Kinder Uses Google Earth to Take a Virtual Field Trip

Kindergarten students have been learning about homes in their Where We Are in Place and Time unit.  They are investigating the central idea: Homes are unique all over the world.  To begin their unit, they used Google Earth to enter in student's addresses and look at their homes.  The children viewed the homes using the street view, and using clues, tried to figure out whose home they were looking at. As the unit goes on, students will be talking about the different kinds of homes and why they are built like they are (materials, location, etc) as well as what the difference is between a home and a shelter.  Tools like Google Earth allow us to take virtual field trips and learn about the world around us- even far away places that we could never visit during the school day!

2nd Grade uses Kidspiration to Help Solve Problems

Second grade students used Kidspiration software to show their understanding of the central idea and lines of inquiry for their unit on How We Organize Ourselves.  Their central idea was: Societies respond to problems with actions.  
Students were given the following fictional situation: A new kid, Johnny, comes to Chandler Oaks from another state.  There was a hurricane, so Johnny and his family had to evacuate their home.  He only had time to pack one bag and had to leave many of his favorite things at his old home.  He feels homesick, because he left everything familiar behind and doesn't know anybody at his new school.  They are living in a hotel, and his whole family has to stay in the same room.  He’s not really sure what will happen in the next few weeks.

Student's needed to identify the problem, and some possible actions- both good and bad. They then described one action that they thought might help solve the problem. Students used Kidspiration to help them organize their thinking (one of the research skills) and to communicate clearly in writing (one of the communication skills).  Check out this example:

4th Grade Reflects and Graphs the Results

Students created Essential Agreements (or norms for the classroom) at the beginning of the year. Then,they reflected on how they have been doing so far using post-its to create a bar graph.

They noticed which traits they are all focusing on the most and which traits they want want to try to focus on more in the future. They say, "Next time we create a graph, we hope that we will have more examples of the traits we were lacking on this time."

4th grade Showcases their Knowledge of Matter

After investigating the properties of  matter, students demonstrated their understanding by finding examples that highlighted the different properties around the building. They used digital cameras to take pictures and then uploaded them to the laptops. Groups then created a PowerPoint to explain what they observed about matter around the school.

Kindergarten inquires: How Can We Use Tools?

Kindergarten students recently inquired into tools and their uses. Students were given different science tools such as magnifying lenses, graduated cylinders, balances, magnets and goggles and were asked to use them to explore and learn about what they might be used for. Students used their thinking and research skills to use the tools and draw conclusions about the world around them.

5th Grade Studies Explorers

5th grade students were investigating the central idea "Human discovery and exploration shapes the individual and the world." during their  Who We Are in Place and Time unit. They used their research skills  to inquire about a European Explorer.  In collaboration with their partner, they used their communication skills to write a newsletter about their findings.  A variety of publishing tools were used including Word, Power Point, and Google Docs.  

5th Grade Inquires: Can We Bear Proof a Trash Can?

As part of their Where We are in Place and Time unit, 5th graders inquired into building a bear proof trash can.  

To investigate the line of inquiry, human exploration and discovery through the scientific process, students learned about the design process and how to test a product.  To begin this study, students responded to the scenario of needing to keep bears away from human food and trash in a national park.  They worked collaboratively in groups to sketch a design, build a model and present the model to the class.  To extend their learning, students then collaborated to create their own testable question with one variable.  This group tested their predictions using cars, a ramp and measuring stick.  Check out some of their ideas!

4th Grade Writing Camp with Phil Bildner

Author Phil Bildner recently stopped by for a visit with our 4th grade students.  Mr. Bildner led a writing camp to help students understand the writing process from start to finish. He discussed how to create ideas, edit the work and the importance of using powerful language when writing.  He also shared some of the galley pages from his next book and told inspiring stories to help our 4th graders kick off the year with an excitement for writing!

3rd Grade Takes Action!

One of the final projects at the end of 3rd grade's "Who We Are" unit involved the class identifying a problem / issue in the community and taking action. Ms. Davenport's class chose littering. Some students created and performed skits, some made announcements on the morning broadcast, some created a website with Voki characters , some came up with ways to make recycling fun, and others created posters or fliers. 

Awesome job taking action and practicing communication skills!

Check out some of their work! The student designed website with Voki's: http://nolitteringinourcommunity.weebly.com/
Check Ms. Davenport's blog to see a video of the skit! 

A sample flyer: