3rd Grade Trip to Union Hill Cemetery and Kaleidoscope

We went to Union Hill Cemetery to find the graves of many prominent figures in Kansas City's and Kearney's history.  We found the graves of Charles E. Kearney, Hattie (the 11 year old slave girl he purchased and freed), William Rockhill Nelson (co-founder of the Nelson-Atkins Museum), and George Caleb Bingham (famous painter).  We also found the grave of a young man who died at the age of 18 while fighting in the Civil War.

Next we went to Kaleidoscope and heard from a writer for Hallmark.  Then we spent some time being creative.

2nd Grade Planting a White Oak Sapling

The Discovery Center gave us a white oak sapling to plant at Hawthorne.  We used all that we had learned about trees to choose the best spot to plant our tree.  We plan on checking our tree frequently to see its progress.

2nd Grade Field Trip to the Discovery Center

We had lots of adventures at the Discovery Center!  First, we learned about what trees need and what trees give us.   Then we made posters about all the items trees give us. We smelled mint leaves and sassafras tree leaves (smells like Fruit Loops).  We also looked under logs for bugs.   The Discovery Center presented us with a white oak sapling for us to plant.  

We went on a hike to explore various acorns and see the stages of a tree’s life.

Each student created a tree from pieces of trees.

Next, we learned about how animals use their senses to survive. 

Then we made seed balls.

A Day in the Life of 4th Grade

Here are some of the activities 4th grade did today.

The students worked in small groups to solve algebraic equations using Hands-On Equation manipulatives.

The students conducted two experiments to explore magnetism.

The students used their creative thinking skills to create a pulgar.

3rd Grade Trip to the Old Firehouse in Kearney

The 3rd graders visited the Old Firehouse in Kearney.  We heard about the history of Kearney and the Old Firehouse from Darrell, the local barber.  Then we toured the Old Firehouse and learned about how it is used today. 

This is the original room in the Old Firehouse used to house the firetruck, City Hall, and the police station. Today it is being used as an art studio where people can take classes.

This is the old jail cell in the Old Firehouse.  Now it is used as a lounging area.

5th Grade Trip to the Discovery Center

The students learned how Lewis and Clark navigated and recorded their journey using pacing and a compass.  The students used compasses to navigate an orienteering course.  We luckily finished right before the downpour!  

Then we went inside and our guide demonstrated how to make fire using flint/steel and a bow/drill.  The students then tried both methods to create fire.  We had some sparks and smoke, but no fire.  

Trying to start a fire using a flint and steel.

Trying to start a fire using a bow and drill.

In the afternoon, we learned about dugout canoes and how the Missouri River has changed since the time of Lewis and Clark.  

Standing in a dugout canoe.

Redirecting the Missouri River, so boats could travel more easily.

Parent-Teacher Conference Sign Up

Families-

Please go to the following link to sign up for our conference: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AocUM3rlRuIYdHNNYkdOeGgyT2JJdkFOcERDcHRPRWc&usp=sharing

I look forward to talking with you!