Rotation and Revolution

Monday, February 10, 2014
     I have been working the past two weeks on teaching my K and 1 group about rotation and revolution. Last week, we modeled rotation and revolution. First, we spin around and around and say revolution three times, then we switch directions. We do this on the carpet and if anyone feels dizzy, they get to sit down. This activity gets giggles and grins, galore! We also get my globes out and practice rotating them. Next, we all pull a chair out with plenty of space around them and practice revolving (or orbiting) the chair. Finally, I challenge them to rotate and revolve aroung their chair at the same time. In the past, I have had them make a sun to tape to their chair, and an earth (paper plates) hung around them with string, but this year I ran short on time. In first, we also discuss what earth looks like from space. We take a paper plate, fold it in fourths. I tell them to color it blue, however many parts they think the earth has water on and green for the land. They are usually amazed the the earth is 3/4 water. Then, for those that know their address, we travel from space to their house via google earth. This is always a big hit!
   This week, I cut up a black plastic tablecloth and used string to tie a piece around a large round tupperware container. Students get various balls and the tupperware container "our solar system" and have to orbit the smaller balls around a big one that they place in the middle. I saw this activity on a Bill Nye episode years ago and it is easy and fun! I have enough supplies for each table/four students per table. Balls from the dollar tree...I even found suns and mini globes! 


 
What does Rotation mean?
Rotation occurs when something is spinning around an axis.
What are some examples of things that rotate?
Tops, Ballerinas, Figure skaters, cyclones, Tornadoes, a merry-go-round, Earth
What is the difference between rotation and revolution?
Rotation occurs when an object spins around an axis.
Revolution occurs when an object spins around another object.

So Sad...

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Last week, I lost my beloved "Big Daddy". Our weather has been fluctuating between cold and hot for the past month and he got pneumonia. I rushed him to the vet when I came in and saw him lethargic, but that afternoon he passed. It has been tragic for me and my kids. :( He is buried in our school butterfly garden and there will be a memorial put there for him.

Mock Trials and Reptiles

Wednesday, September 25, 2013
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!

Monday, September 23, 2013
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

Monday, August 26, 2013
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.




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

Where did summer go?

Sunday, August 18, 2013
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!

Sunday, May 5, 2013

    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!

 
Two day sale
 







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