Happy Holidays

Third Grade
Third Grade has been working on simple machines. We completed a science experiment on friction and have gotten to use the Lego Simple Machines kit. Each student has completed one rotation on either wheels and axles, levers, gears, pulleys, inclined plane, or screw and wedge. We have also made a concept map using Kidspiration software and listed two things learned in the station.
Fourth Grade
Students have completed their Independent Investigative Method research on an eminent person. They have identified achievements, obstacles, above average ability, task commitment, courage, creativity and caring for the person they chose to study. As soon as we get back from the holidays, we will begin creating a project to share what was learned.
Many of the students are getting close to finishing their ABC Book of Me so we will work on the cover art in January(fractals, marbling, paste paper, etc.)
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade competed in the Alabama FIRST Lego League competition. They pulled together fine presentations on a booster to a prosthetic leg and a comfort room for cancer patients. They handled the robot competition with gracious professionalism making modification at the tournament, and doing their best. Way to go.
We wrote thank you notes to all the sponsors and helpers. It takes a community to put on a project of this magnitude.
Next semester, we will finish What are Your Chances? - a probability unit and begin Record Breakers, a unit looking at World records, a favorite. We will also begin a unit on Autobiographies. In this unit we look at how talent is developed in children's authors and then in ourselves.
Happy Holidays,
Colleen