We are scientists. – Page 18 – Ms. Chan's Class Blog
 

Category: We are scientists.

Week 3 updates

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We have continued to enjoy ourselves by learning about and learning with each other. Here are some tweets from the week plus more!

MONDAY: Loving how students are accepting challenges to push themselves into growth zone. In writing after conferencing, I point out strengths and area(s) of opportunity. They walk away to work on challenge to improve writing and come back feeling so proud. Then we set new goal on next blank page.

TUESDAY: We looked at Terry Fox as an incredible example of perseverance and determination. Need to have positive self-talk especially when we find ourselves struggling; be own cheerleader. Recognize there is value in the struggle as we push through. Means we are in our growth zone. Believe in yourself.

In Math, we started learning about telling time. To find out more about the learning outcomes for each grade and how concepts can be reinforced through games on websites at home and school, click here. As mentioned previously, my goal is to help students change their mindset about Math. Here’s a short video about believing in yourself; click here to view.

WEDNESDAY: Students thoroughly enjoyed exercising their creative play and collaboration skills with green screen app by @DoInkTweets. Classroom noise not a problem! We say, “Quiet on the set!” And everyone goes silent to support the group recording their video. Class teamwork in action! #GreatKids

We continued to talk about perseverance (stick-with-itness) and determination (never give up attitude). We wrote about what it means, why it is important, and what statements we could say to ourselves. Click here to read reflections written by Alex, Sophia, and Zia.

In Science, we also started learning about matter and atoms. Students were asked to share what they know. If you take a look at the class brainstorm, students don’t know much yet. I can’t wait to see their learning grow! Click here to learn more about the learning outcomes or to watch the Bill Nye video with your child at home to reinforce learning.

THURSDAY: Such perseverance and determination was shown by students in our Terry Fox Run. During our reflection, many expressed how they told themselves, “You can do it!” and recognized that positive self-talk and believing they can actually made a difference. Lessons are paying off!

During our Terry Fox assembly, we shared a short video of Terry Fox with students holding signs cheering him on. We used the green screen set up in our classroom and an app called Green Screen by DoInk to make this happen.

FRIDAY: Great opportunity to discuss climate change and what we can do to make a difference. We all can have a voice and take action. Students were given an opportunity to march together in the afternoon.

To round off the week, students were asked to write me a letter telling me how they are feeling about being in this class so far, what they have enjoyed or not enjoyed, what they have learned about themselves, and one thing they are looking forward to. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their honest thoughts and feelings. It’s great feedback for me and it gave me a great opportunity to connect with each child about what was shared.


Important dates:

  • Monday, September 30 – Pro-D day; school not in session
  • Tuesday, October 1 – Scholastic orders are due
  • Tuesday, October 1 – Orange Shirt Day; wear orange
  • Thursday, October 3 – Individual photos will be taken

Notices sent home this week:

  • Field trip: Bowling – Click here to learn more.
  • Home Literacy Club  – Click here to learn more. If you did not receive the recording sheet, please write a note in the planner or email me.

Reminder to bring in earbuds with a microphone/volume control in a small labelled Ziploc bag. Students who have them at school have already taken advantage of them. Thank you!

Process of Inquiry

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During last Friday’s assembly, students had an opportunity to proudly showcase our process of inquiry on various sea creatures. It all began with asking questions and lots of them. Then with access to resources like books, websites, videos, and a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium, students researched information together with a partner. They took notes on paper and then organized them using Kidspiration:

Click to enlarge.

which helped them publish their writing:

Click to enlarge.

and eventually, supported their formal presentation. Here is one by Isla on Starfish (click on image):

Pacific White Sided Dolphin

Click on image to view Owen’s presentation.

Click on image to view Riley’s presentation.

Our little scientists’ inquiry on local sea creatures is well on its way! They have been enthusiastically and diligently researching websites on their animal. This week, we will be receiving a Virtual Reality kit which include Google glasses to virtually dive deep into the ocean to take a closer look! 

In support of our inquiry, Division 8 and 9 had an exciting field trip to the aquarium. We had some free exploration time on our own. Otherwise, we came together to watch the sea otter feeding, dolphin, and sea lion show. Our classroom workshop experience focussed on learning more about our local coast animals. Students had an opportunity to touch a jellyfish, sea cucumber, sea urchin, and try on a turtle’s shell to name a few things.

We are very grateful to parents who have volunteered to help drive and supervise students. 

Dear students,

What were your highlights of the trip? What was the most interesting fact you learned? Please feel free to write a comment on this post. Thank you!

Our grade 1 and 2 students have worked very hard on their re-creation of the water cycle with their partners and were really excited and engaged in their learning. With practice and repetition, they became more and more confident with their explanation of the water cycle and the moving of the sun, clouds, and precipitation at the same time. Not an easy task! We are very proud of how they improved in their communication skills as they worked as partners negotiating their shared vision while exercising their creative thinking and critical thinking skills in order to pull this off! 

Children have had opportunities to share “I can” statements before and after they worked on their shows again and again. Today, they worked on their final reflections. They really understand their strengths! Click here to read all of their “I can” statements.

Enjoy our Water Cycle shows that we made using Puppet Pals! Hint: Might want to pop some popcorn first. Sorry, videos do not play on iPhones or iPads but play fine on Androids and computers.

Tobee & JeanBenoit

Sasha & Charlotte

Farbod & Lucas

Isla & Dustin

Fisher & Myel

Jeffery & Ronan

Manoj & Priscilla

 

Leo & Riley

 

Avia & Sonia

 

Charlotte & Katherine

Gabby, Hanna & Kailan

Owen & Zachary

Olivya & Mehr

 

Enjoy!

Made with Puppet Pals

Dear students (and parents),

What do you think about your friend’s shows? Please feel free to offer two stars and a wish or write a comment about why you enjoyed working on this project. What are you most proud of? What appreciations might you have for your partner? If you were to do it again, what would you change? Thank you.

Thoroughly enjoy your spring break, everyone! Looking forward to seeing you on April 1st. We have had such a wonderful year so far with you and your child. Thank you for your continued support at home. We appreciate you!

Sincerely, Ms. Chan & Ms. Cowan

 

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