4th Grade Science Experiment

Today we explored capillary action using paper towels, cups, and water with food coloring.  We used 2 different brands of paper towels.  We noticed that the water molecules moved more quickly through the denser paper towels.  We also observed that the food coloring molecules got trapped in the paper towels, so the water was clearer once it made it to the second cup.  The paper towel was acting like a filter.  We talked about capillary action in plants and watched a quick video that showed how a thorny devil uses capillary action to drink-amazing!  Can you think of other instances of capillary action in nature?

Viva: the denser paper towels

Off-brand paper towels

5th Grade Career Exploration Unit

The 5th graders have spent 2nd semester exploring careers and college options.  They each decided on their dream job and created a Voki of themselves in the future.  I am so proud of these 5th graders and know that they will be very successful!

Click on the links below to travel into the future!

JASON

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8085815&height=267&width=200

COOPER

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8085870&height=267&width=200

AUDREY

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8086054&height=267&width=200

JAKE

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8086296&height=267&width=200

SETH

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8086402&height=267&width=200

JARED

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8086478&height=267&width=200

TYRELL

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8086536&height=267&width=200

SEAN

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8086636&height=267&width=200

ALEX

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8086640&height=267&width=200

ALEXI

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8086703&height=267&width=200

Unit of Study: Dream School

B Day students have been designing their dream schools all semester.  They debated dress code/uniform policies, wrote mission statements, created daily schedules, and researched schools in other countries.  Now they are finally getting to use Sketch Up to make 3D drawings of their unique schools. I think we have some future architects!

Negro League Baseball Presentation

Thank you Ms. Cathie Moss for visiting our class today!  You taught us so much about the history and players of the Negro League Baseball.  It made us all want to travel back in time to witness a real game. :)

Recommended Reading Lists for Gifted Children

Dilemma:
It is wonderful to have children who read at advanced levels, but sometimes it is hard to find books with appropriate content for young readers.  Here are some links to help:

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/reading_lists.htm

http://www.exquisite-minds.com/best-books-for-gifted-and-creative-children/

http://giftedkids.about.com/od/booksandtoys/tp/top_ten_books.htm

http://voices.yahoo.com/best-loved-books-unique-reading-list-gifted-383888.html

http://mcgt.net/mcgt-suggested-book-list-for-gifted-children

http://www.geniusdenied.com/articles.aspx?articleid=30&NavID=1_11

Please read all summaries and reviews to make sure a book is appropriate for your child as these lists cover a variety of topics and age groups.

Independent Study Fair 2013

Critical Thinking Skills: Paperclip Puzzles

Last week students worked both individually and with partners to solve paperclip puzzles.  The students had to follow the clues to make the correct paperclip chains.  Here are some pictures of the 3rd graders from D Day working together.