Mock Trials and Reptiles

We just finished analyzing evidence from our crime scene in 2nd grade. Felix's body disappeared from the crime scene and it is up to us to figure out who did it. So, we had a trial. It was so much fun! I scripted a few pages to get everyone going, but once they started, they didn't want to stop! I have quite a few actors and actresses! If you have never used a "mock trial" in your classroom, you should give it a try. It will really work at any grade. There are tons of resources online for fairy tale "mock trials" to get you started. Then you can pick your topic. Science A to Z has debate/argument questions that would work great for a science topic. In kindergarten, we used our observation skills with superworms and Big Daddy, one of our resident bearded dragons. Next week, we learn about owls and check out an owl pellet. Ewwww!

 

Gingerbread on the loose!

Our first graders are solving mysteries through a gingerbread man theme. Since my kids love all things detective,  I found a gingerbread girl I could use to create mysteries all over campus. We have a "crime scene" board with clues and suspects, but as it turns out "Gingy" is acting on her own and is loose on campus. We have tracked fingerprints and footprints so far. We "installed" a surveillance camera over the weekend and caught Gingy doing all kinds of things. She even has her own Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Have-you-seen-Gingy/1393241127573457?ref=hl

Science Lab Update

We are having fun, fun, fun in the lab right now! Last week, we began with lab rules and basic science process skills, mainly, observation and prediction. This morning, with my first graders, we worked on classifying. I used Rachel Lamb's (The Tattoed Teacher) "Stinky Feet"   http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/stinky-feet-science-use-shoes-to-learn-how-to-classify-freebie-317874. I love her stuff! I also use her matter unit and mealworm unit (my favorite unit of the year!).

 

     In kindergarten, we are "Wildlife Biologists" learning about our senses through science.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mysteries-of-the-Wild-exploring-the-senses-and-nature-of-science-293335

     In second grade, we are "Forensic Scientists" solving GEMS Mystery Festival, "Case of the Missing Millionaire."

Where did summer go?

Summer is over, it happened so fast! I have been missing from blogland for a little while...life happened. Now, I am back, ready for an exciting year of science and STEM! I did do a little science field work this summer... I was fortunate enought to spend some time with the Coastal Wildlife Club and learn all about sea turtles! It was an amazing experience! I was able to see both loggerhead and green turtle nests.

 

4 Chicks and a Sale!

    We have four baby chicks! My hatching rate was not so hot this year. Last years was much better...in the 90 percent range. This year we only had 4 out of 17 hatch, but they are adorable! Teachers and students alike come by often to visit and hold the chicks. I love spring with all of the babies. We have kittens at home, also. Please check out my farm unit for more agriculture fun and activities.

 http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Farm-Fun-Learning-on-the-mooove





Also, BIG SALE on Teachers Pay Teachers this week!

 

 

Farm Fun!

Kindergarten students are learning all about farm life, where are food comes from, and all things agriculture! We have chicks in the incubator and we have been checking on their progress with our ovascope. Everyone had fun doing our egg dissection lab: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Egg-Dissection-primary.
You can download our lab sheets for free at my TPT store. Also check out our farm unit:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Farm-Fun-Learning-on-the-mooove

 

 

Chess

    Consider adding chess into your students' day. Chess can help develop memory, improve concentration, promote logical thinking, and promote imagination/creativity. Did you know that chess is part of the daily academic curriculum in thirty countries? More information about chess in schools around the world: http://cis.fide.com/. 

 

                                                                                                              

                                                                 
     One of the essential goals of education is to teach children to think critically: students must learn to make reasoned judgments. Chess is an excellent tool to demonstrate the theme of critical thinking. During a game a player must formulate a plan of attack or defense. 

      Chess is an excellent tool to teach problem solving skills to all levels of students especially in the formative primary years. Instructional gaming is one of the most motivational tools in the good teacher's toolbox.  Children love games. Chess motivates them to become willing problem solvers and spend hours quietly immersed in logical thinking. These same young students often cannot sit still for fifteen minutes in the traditional classroom. 

For more research and statistics on the benefits of chess in education: 
http://www.psmcd.net/otherfiles/BenefitsOfChessInEdScreen2.pdf