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!