Science Prep

In the upcoming science lessons we will be studying the human heart.
Since a sheep heart closely resembles a human heart we will be
exploring a sheep heart as a model to learn more about the human
heart.

What do you think a sheep heart will look and feel like?
Please describe your predictions of the color, shape, size, and
texture of the sheep heart by commenting below!

Then, please watch the videos below in preparation for our sheep’s heart observation tomorrow in class. Be sure to watch all the videos and complete the Summary Check at the bottom.

Happy heart pumping!

Station 1:

Station 2:

Station 3:

Station 4:

Summary Check:
https://docs.google.com/a/district30.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dElJX1lwdm9YTnllRDU1enV4VUNLcEE6MQ#gid=0

Coat Catastrophe!

Our human body works like an amazing, well-oiled machine! Because it functions so well, we often forget the incredibly complex systems needed to achieve our seemingly simple movements. Today we observed and described several things our bodies can do. To illustrate this point, we tried to list all the actions necessary for putting on a coat. Surprisingly, we missed several key steps!

Over the course of this new unit, we’ll be paying particularly close attention to the many functions our bodies perform to complete daily tasks and activities.

After watching the coat demonstration today…..
What did I have to do that you didn’t list in your directions?
What was my body doing that you couldn’t see (what was happening on the inside?)

Time Traveling

We’re beginning an exciting adventure this spring with three new books for our literature circles! These books are historical fiction novels and all take place during the Revolutionary War, which is the focus of our current unit in Social Studies.

Our books:
1. My Brother Sam Is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
2. The Fighting Ground, by Avi
3. Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776, by Laurie Calkhoven

What book are you reading? What clues can you use to make a solid prediction? Based upon those clues, what do you think your book will be about? Why?

Dancin’ Shoes!

We were LUCKY enough today to see our good friend and classmate share her incredible IRISH dancing talents! Megan danced the Treble Jig, the Hornpipe, and the Tipping Reel. What fun! Thank you, Megan, for your willingness to share your skills and answer all our questions!

What do you think would be the most difficult aspect of Irish dancing?
Why do you think so?

Chicken Wing Dissection

….is scheduled for Monday morning!

Please be prepared for class by watching this video and answering the Google Doc questions below.

https://docs.google.com/a/district30.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVVb0IzeTRXR2VxVjFNZzNRM0lOZGc6MQ#gid=0

5F Features Fantastic Figurative Language!

Today we talked about figurative language, which is a technique that writers use to describe something, usually by comparing it to something else. There are several types of figurative language, some of which include: similes, metaphors, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and alliteration.

Personification is a figure of speech where human qualities are given to an object/animal. Example: My teddy bear gave me a hug.

Onomatopoeia is the use of a word to describe or imitate a sound. Example: Snap, crackle, pop!

Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration used for dramatic purposes, often seen in tall tales. Example: He was so hungry, he ate that whole cornfield for lunch, stalks and all!

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial sound, letter, or group of sounds in a series of words (includes tongue twisters!) Example: She sells seashells by the sea shore.

Today we made some videos highlighting these devices…..take a look!

Alliteration:

Hyperbole:

Personification:

Onomatopoeia:

Please respond below by posting your own examples of alliteration, hyperbole, personification, and onomatopoeia! Super splendid students study serious topics! (<---Bonus points for identifying this literary device!)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Special thanks to all our room parents for planning our Valentine’s Day party today. What fun!

iMovie Madness!

After reading the book Crooked River by Shelley Pearsall, we worked in groups to create iMovie trailers. This was a fun project that required a good understanding of summarizing and story-telling. Check out this one from Kendall, Ethan, Phoebe, and Sammy!

What did you enjoy the most about making the trailers?
What was a challenge you faced and how did you solve it?