Good Evening Families,

What's the matter with the first graders? Nothing is the matter.... but everything is matter! For the past few weeks, the children  have been investigating solids, liquids, and gases and how their properties can be changed to a new state of matter. In the very beginning of the investigation, I asked the children what they thought "state of matter" meant. One of the children raised her hand and said "OHIO!" I thought that was a funny story to share and just goes to show how much the children have been learning. The students and  have been following the scientific process carefully and have been conducting many experiments. This concept cannot be taught in no other way but experiments! We have done everything from putting mentos into diet coke to building an ice snowman and watching it melt through the day. The children also had a blast making ice cream and watching the liquid milk mixture turn into a solid. It would be a great weekend activity, even in the middle of winter! The children don't seem to mind :)

To the left: Miss Leslie knew what was coming, so she remembered to wear her poncho that day!

To the right: The carbon dioxide in the soda is so attracted to the mentos. which creates so much pressure the soda goes flying! This was an example of what happens when a solid means a gas (and liquid!)

Below: The children's reactions were the best! 

With these experiments, the children have the opportunity to choose an experiment and expand on their learning. What do they wonder about it? What questions do they have and what do they want to explore? The children have seen all the experiments once, but this is their chance to conduct the same experiment by themselves with a different essential question. For example, the class predicted why the gingerbread man was afraid of water. To test our predictions, we put a gingerbread man into a glass of water and made observations after 5 and 15 minutes. Did the gingerbread man float? sink? dissolve? After making the conclusion that the gingerbread man does indeed dissolve, Michael and Andrew wanted to test if the gingerbread man would dissolve in liquids other than just water. Claire and Marlo wanted to test how fast they could get the ice snowman to melt if they put salt on it, for they used their background knowledge and knew that salt was put on roads to melt ice and snow. All the children have been working hard at following the scientific process and conducting their own experiments, and their results will be displayed for the SCOPE Express on Thursday, December 20th!

Left: Sophia continues with the scientific process and moves her name down to "Observations."

Right: Jordan, Marlo, Alexis and Claire can't wait to find out if their liquids froze in the balloons!

For this math unit, the children will work with linear measures and review and extend their use of thermometers and clocks. They measure in nonstandard units, such as their feet or hand span, as well as in the U.S customary units of inches and feet. They use rulers and tape measures to practice measuring classroom objects and themselves. Children also begin the important work of achieving "aromaticity" (automatic recall) of basic addition facts. The children will also be starting math journaling, so please remember to send in a composition notebook for them on Monday!

In this math unit, the children will work with linear measures and review and extend their use of thermometers and clocks. They measure in nonstandard units, such as their feet and hand spans, as well as in customary units of inches and feet. They use rulers and tape measures to practice measuring classroom objects and themselves. Children also begin the important work of achieving "aromaticity" (automatic recall) of basic addition facts. On Monday, the students will also begin math journaling so please send in a composition notebook with your child. Thank you!

Above: Andrew carefully traces J'Lyn's feet so she can begin measuring in "feet."

Reminder: Please join us in your child's classroom at 3:15 on Thursday, December 20th to take a ride on SCOPE Express. The train will make several stops at depots where children's museum exhibits will be on display. Children are encourages to wear pajama's on Thursday (Bring slippers.)

To end, I would like to take a minute to say how overwhelmed and heart broken I am over the Connecticut shooting, as I am sure you are as well. The school shooting today defies explanation, words, reason, or understanding. I am looking forward to Monday, for I am going to give each of your children an even bigger hug that I normally do and will never take their smiles, laughs, hugs, and conversations for granted.

Have a restful and an appreciative weekend!

Hello Families!

I sit here today thinking how it could possibly be December 2nd already? I feel like the first day of school was only yesterday! I guess time does really fly when you are having fun.

The first graders have been really interested in learning about pollution and the harmful effects it has on our environment. They thought it was pretty cool that they could do things to reduce pollution simply by not littering and remembering to recycle. For the school-wide Thanksgiving feast, the children decided they wanted to show the other students what we have been learning so they decided to make "trash can mashed potatoes." They used recyclable pudding and fruit cup containers to serve as the trashcans, and the mashed potatoes represented the litter. They wanted to show everyone that trash belongs in the trash can, not on the ground. It was a joyful time making the mashed potatoes and homemade butter. Some children really enjoyed smashing the potatoes, where as some children enjoyed peeling the potatoes. The children helped each other with each of the jobs, working as a team. Thank you to Mrs. Neel who came to help with the process!

Above: (Left) Kaydence, Marlo, Aaliyah and Isabella peel and cut the potatoes.
(Right) Melania and Andrew wash the potatoes

Above: (Left) Claire, Andrew, and Sophia shake the butter! We used whipping cream, a marble, and a jar!
(Right): The children finally get to enjoy the feast!

The children are at the beginning stages of investigating the different properties of water. We started off by looking at the globe and examining how much water was on the earth compared to land. Because the earth is made up of 70 percent of water, we have come to the conclusion that it is very important to learn about water. The children have been creating a model to show the different ways water can be observed. Some made models of the ocean, some made models of lakes, and many of the children made a snow scene. Marlo even came up with the idea of the observation of water through a swamp.... Miss Leslie even learns from the children! We have also been studying the characteristics of solids and liquids. Jordan made the request of doing a science experiment he previously did at his house and that he wanted to share with the class. Responding to his request, the class made "gloop" on Friday! Gloop, or oobleck, is a mixture of cornstarch, food coloring, and water. Gloop has interesting properties of both liquids and solids. It normally behaves like a liquid, but if you squeeze it in your hand it acts as a solid./As you can imagine. the students absolutely loved it! Here is a link that will teach you how to make gloop at home:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Oobleck

ENJOY!

Above:

 (Left) Miss Leslie. Sophia, Marlo, J'Lyn, and Michael learn about how much water is on Earth.

(Right) Alexis, Sophia, Melania, and Isabella experience the gloop experiement! Is it a liquid? Is it a solid? No one really can tell!

Mark your calendars: On Saturday, January 12th at 11:00 am, the Green Branch Library will be having "Pete the Cat and Popcorn Pizzazz!" Your child will hear Pete the Cat stories, songs, and they will be able to create their own popcorn treat! Because it's all good! Sign-ups begin January 2nd. I am telling you now because the children LOVE Pete the Cat, and what a great connection it would be for them from our Pete the Cat author study that occurred last year! \

Another reminder: The Daisy's are having a hat/glove drive for both the families at our school and the families in our community who are in need of these items.  There is a box that is set up at the office. Please, if you are able, send in with your child any hats or gloves that are not being used at your house. Look for sales at stores as well! Spread the holiday cheer here at GSCELC!