Science: Let it Snow

Oh the weather outside is frightful, 

But the fire is so delightful, 

And since we've no place to go, 

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

My students are fascinated with snow. Actually fascination isn't even a strong enough word. Every time we read a book, watch a video or have a discussion about snow, my students eyes light up. They are so intrigued and just want to learn more and more about snow. I wish so badly I could give them my experiences with snow. Since I've lived in Indiana and spent my childhood winter months playing in snow, it's hard to understand what it's like not to build snowmen or make snow balls. 

I saw this science experiment at Hobby Lobby, a teacher and craft heaven, and knew I had to purchase this for my students. They really enjoyed completing this activity! After we completed this activity my students went to the other classrooms to show other students how to grow snow! :)

Science: Investigation

Today Ivy students became scientists that investigated why The Statue of Liberty is green if it is made of copper! 

We discussed that The Statue of Liberty was built of copper and that copper is normally brown, but overtime when mixed with air and water copper turns green. I found several pennies that were made before 1981, when pennies were still made of copper, and were slightly green similar to that of The Statue of Liberty. We then mixed vinegar and salt and added the pennies to the mixture. Students were shocked when they noticed that their pennies were turning back to the original copper color! One student asked, "Why can't they do this to The Statue of Liberty?" Good question!! :)

Overall, students learned that copper can turn green overtime when it's mixed with water and air. They also learned that copper that has been turned green can become brown again when mixed with vinegar and salt. 

 

Science: Fall-en Leaf!

One of my most favorite parts of fall is the beautiful changes to the leaves. I love going on hikes and being outside during this time of year. Last weekend I went to Eaton Canyon in Pasadena and collected several different shapes, sizes and colors of leaves. If you haven't checked out this amazing park, I highly recommend it. At the end of the hike you are rewarded with a beautiful waterfall.

I brought the leaves into class and had students pick their favorite one. Students were able to choose other leaves around the playground, but most chose ones that I brought in. They were amazed with how big the leaves were! Once they picked the leaf of their choice, they had to use their 5 senses to describe the leaf and draw a picture of their leaf. They really enjoyed this science activity! :)

Social Studies: Needs and Wants

Need or Want?

It's important for children to understand the difference between needing and wanting something. To teach this important lesson to our class I decided to use my favorite children's author Mo Willems! My students LOVED these books! They laughed and smiled the entire time!! :)

Once we finished reading, we watched a video about needs and wants. Then as a class we completed making a list of things the pigeon wants and needs. They did an excellent job making these list! I was super happy because it was the first time we have ever discussed this topic. 

Then students completed the same activity on their own.

Language Arts: WILD about Turkeys!