Our study of matter finished with a BANG! Students conducted multiple trial runs of an experiment involving gases. First, we put a quarter tablet of alka seltzer in a quarter cup of water. We observed the result using four out of our five senses, wafting to smell, feeling the bubbles against our cheeks, listening to hear, and looking carefully with our eyes. We wrote about this in our journals, and then we recorded our questions. Some questions raised were, "Where does the gas come from?" and "Why does the reaction slow down?" We then predicted what might happen if we put the water and alka seltzer in a closed film canister. Since it fizzed in the cup, we determined it might also fizz in the canister. Some said it might not work because it was a smaller volume of water. I used a quarter tablet from the open packet of alka seltzer from the day before. We went out back to see what would happen. You might guess. It was a dud. I knew this was going to be the result, but I wanted them to try to think about why. Many ideas came out, but eventually they came to the tablet's exposure to air and moisture in the air. I wanted them to see that sometimes experiments fail, and to think about WHY that happens. Next, we repeated the test, with a fresh piece of alka seltzer, and it merely fizzled around the cap. We talked about that, and repeated the test just to see if we would get the same result. This time, I shook it a bit. It shook once and bubbled around the cap again. Inside, we talked about constants and variables. We decided to change the film canister because the gas was bubbling around the cap. We then tried it again, and it blew to the second floor window. Good scientists repeat trials to be sure of results. We tried again, and this time it went as high as the roof. More discussion about why this happened. Eventually we noted that the first time there was a strong wind, and the second time no wind gusts. More proof that air can really move things. It really isn't just "nothing." It's really SOMETHING!
Our play, "Mrs. Peabody's Apples" was a smash hit! Mrs. Glynn did a fantastic job working with all of the second graders! Thank you for helping your child learn their lines as well.
MATH
This particular section of math we are working on involves adding and subtracting two - digit numbers involving trading and regrouping (we used to call it borrowing and carrying). We also are working on showing our thinking. This involves drawing the solution on a numberline, using base ten blocks, and with a hundreds chart. It isn't the easiest subject, but most are doing a fine job. In a few weeks we will be having our timed math fact assessments, with the goal of completing 30 addition facts and 30 subtraction facts, each in two minutes...so keep practicing those facts (especially subtraction)!
READING WORKSHOP
We are working on questioning during reading. Asking questions as you read boosts comprehension and enjoyment of the book. For example... a book I am reading to the children called Tar Beach raises some great questions. How can you have a beach made of tar? What kind of beach is that? Can the girl really fly, or is she dreaming? We then read further to find our answers, if they are there... or we reread to clarify things for ourselves. In addition, we have been working and will continue to work on making text to self, text to text, and text to the world connections. These connections need two pieces of text evidence and a strong personal connection to what is happening in the story. The thing to look for are feelings the character is experiencing, not to the exact same experiences the character is going through. It is very challenging.
WRITING
We wrote some elaborative detail about a groundhog in honor of Punxatawny Phil, the groundhog of Groundhog Day fame. I thought it was wonderful that the children were competing to see how many details they had included about the groundhog.
In addition, we are embarking on an "epal" (like a pen pal, but with email) communication project with orphaned children at the Kasisi Children's Home in Zambia, Africa. We are doing this with Miss Barrow's class. Each child will have at least one keypal.
GRAMMAR
We are reviewing the structure of a sentence while practicing proper punctuation. We have also been learning about nouns and adjectives while incorporating them into our writing. We are working on daily grammar practice, and soon will also be practicing working with cloze (reading passages that are missing words. This involves some contextual clues, inference, and more).
SPELLING
Students will generally have a pre-test on Mondays and spelling homework will be assigned the same day. Spelling homework is always due on Thursdays. Students should be practicing their words on a daily basis. Please take advantage of Spelling City, a spelling website located on my resources page. We are all registered to compete in the world learning games in spelling, science, and math! We will be competing against students around the world. It is all sponsored by Unicef.
SCIENCE
We are keeping wonderful science notebooks as we record observations and procedures, learn scientific vocabulary, and record inquiry questions and reflections related to scientific concepts. This month we are embarking on studying nutrition and dental health, and will observe the growth of amaryllis bulbs, charting the growth and making careful observations. We also will be growing amaryllis bulbs and watching that miraculous growth. This is one part of our study of the life cycle of various plants. Very soon we will start our study of soil, and will continue it along with our study of plants.
SOCIAL STUDIES
We are continuing to learn more about communities and how they grow, and honing our map skills. We will be creating a town in the computer lab, and figuring out what a good town really needs. We also have been learning about Dr. Martin Luther King, Chinese New Year, and Black History. Our Scholastic News will supplement our science and social studies curriculum.
Please remember to check out my resources page for academic websites that your children can access from home.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy New Year! Spring is on it's way! Phil said so.... (I hope). Enjoy your vacations, but take a good book along, and keep reading!
Love,
Mrs. Woodford