Today Division 5 and 6 walked over to visit the Trottier Observatory at Simon Fraser University. We were introduced to how researchers study space and each student received a star chart for use the next time they’re looking at the night sky.
Next we went outside to check out the telescope in the observatory. We learned about how the telescope is used and what it can see. We weren’t able to see anything through the telescope today, though, because there was some cloud cover.
In the courtyard around the observatory, there were some interesting features such as a sun dial, some of the basic elements of the universe, picnic tables with detailed moon phases, and big star charts. They pack a lot into this small area!
Here is a link to the SFU Starry Nights page if you’d like to visit again.
Division 5–what was your favourite part of our visit?
The first model text is called The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown. Each item in The Important Book is broken down to its essence–telling the reader all the most important things about that object. The author uses a lot of sensory detail when explaining, telling us what the thing sounds like, looks like, tastes like, etc.
Sine the beginning of the year, Division 5 has been working on their Speed Stacking skills. It is a relatively new sport that is based on… that’s right… stacking cups!
Just as with any sport, there are particular rules that guide speed stacking. Division 5 has been learning these rules, and developing their muscle memory by learning the Competition Cycle (3-6-3, 6-6, 1-10-1). One of the rules of cup stacking is that the player must use alternating hands in order to set up each cycle of cups–this action of alternating hands actually strengthen the right and left brain connection. There are also competition events such as partner stacking where each person performs the actions of either the right or the left hand.
Division 5 has been focused on learning the cycle carefully to avoid fumbles and falls. Once students are familiar and fluent with the cycle, they will be developing their speed! It’s important to start with the fundamentals of a sport before adding in speed and power.