We are getting into the swing of things in Upper. This week we studied matter and energy in Science. We also had some fun with water molecules and surface tension last week. In biology students created different “departments” for body systems, worked on the phylogenetic tree of life, and studied kingdoms. In spelling we are working on the long a sound and in writing we are working on adding “special moments” to our personal narratives. In history we are learning about early civilizations and today we got first hand experience on how hard life was before we learned to work together as a civilization. Students had to hunt food or farm (collect “animals” hidden around the classroom or answer questions about agriculture), collect water from our watering hole (fill their cups at their desks with water by transporting it from the sink via teaspoon), and build a shelter out of cardboard. It was fun and their debrief was incredibly thoughtful. In art students are creating peace flags for our school observance of the international day of peace.
We also got to take out computers this week. Students are very excited. In Upper students can use computers for writing on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, for specific assignments, and for typing practice through Typing.com. We also use a really amazing system called Go Guardian that allows us to see what students are working on and blocks certain websites. We are starting our technology lessons by earning our Google Drive License.
Safety patrol started this week! Way to go fifth years! They have been amazingly responsible and punctual. They have received lots of compliments from other teachers.