Our Unit of Inquiry, How the World Works, took us on a journey that allowed us to be investigators exploring the world. We used this inquiry to focus on the properties of sound and the ways sound influences our exploration. Hearing our Explorers referring to our Voice Meter in decibels, asking deep questions about the impact of sound waves and glass, inquiring how certain animals use sound if they don't have ears (snakes, sharks) was so exciting. These great questions helped drive our learning to amazing levels.
One class even used their knowledge to create acrostic poems. The poem on the left shows the evidence of early learning. the poem on the right was created after more lessons. The Explorers cheered when they finished the second poem, "We are like second graders!" The pride in knowing how much they had learned and the ability to express it clearly was very exciting!
Our assessment wrapped up Friday as students created an instrument or object that creates and has the ability to change sound. Oh you can absolutely imagine the excitement! Each student presented their instrument and discussed its Form (What is it?), Function (What is its purpose?) and Change (How does it change sound?). What Thinkers!
Here is a sample of some of the unique projects that were created:
Taking Action at Home!
Quite a few students are taking their learning home and are sharing their action at school. This is outstanding! They even had the opportunity to tour the other kindergarten classes and share their action. Such communicators and risk-takers! If you see your child taking action with their learning at home, please let us know. We would like to celebrate this at school.
We Love Experiments!
After stumbling upon a video of dancing Oobleck. One class wanted to recreate the experiment in their class using a speaker and a tray of Oobleck. They gave it their best try! Unfortunately, the Oobleck did not dance like in the video, but it was determined the speaker would have to be much louder. *This experiment may be recreated as the students came up with many ways to increase the sound. Watch out CIS!
Food coloring was added and the investigators were able to watch the vibrations move the colors all around.
We had fun exploring the iPad music applications too!
The Investigations Continue!
A Reading Explosion!
Reading helps us explore the world too! Our reading skills are growing by leaps and bounds. We know that some reading is for fun and other reading can help us gather information for our research. So powerful!
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| Word Work on the iPad can challenging and fun too! |
Math
This week in math we spent our time using shapes to create other shapes. This took thinking, creativity and patience as the shapes became more challenging (did the Sea Shapes come home? Those are lots of fun!).
Mystery Reader
Jackson had a big surprise as his mom came in to be a Mystery Reader this week. Paddington Bear took quite a journey!
Announcements:
March 6-Early Release Day
March 22-No School
Student led conferences will be held in March. Please look for information in your child's folder.
