Little Scientists

Now that 3rd quarter is here we have started science!  Our first unit is about understanding the scientific method.  We discussed the steps of asking a question, forming a hypothesis, carrying out the experiment and making observations, and reporting the final results.

In our first experiment we asked the question, "How can we keep a banana fresher longer?"  We tried three different ways.  We wrapped plastic wrap around one of the stems, another was put in the fridge, and the third was put in a brown paper bag.  Each student made a hypothesis about which banana would remain the freshest, or if it would even make a difference.  We recorded our observations throughout the week.  We found not much difference between the banana with plastic wrap around the stem and the one in the bag.  Ultimately, we decided the banana in the bag was the freshest because the stem looked better.  The banana in the fridge become brown all over and the others were speckled with brown spots.  Once we peeled them, we found that all three of them were very similar.

In our second experiment we asked the question, "Can we grow gummy bears?"  We weighed and measured each gummy bear before putting them in water, sugar water, vinegar water, and lemon water.  Each student made a hypothesis, and we weighed and measured each bear again the next day.  We were amazed to find  just how much the bear in the vinegar water had grown.

Day 1 measuring:

Day 2 measuring and results:

 Within this first week the students are completely hooked on science!  They can't wait for the next unit!

Happy Snowmen

The 2nd graders brought the snow with this happy snowman art project!

Awesome Adjectives

Last week while Mason was visiting in the morning he read one of his favorite picture books to the class, "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late" by Mo Willems.  We used this story to revisit adjectives.  The class came up with a fantastic list of descriptive adjectives to describe this funny pigeon.  We then called up a classmate and used adjectives to describe this friend.  The class loved calling out adjectives as we stuck them right to her.  The students then brainstormed adjectives to describe themselves that they added to a picture they drew of themselves.  We found the adjectives we used to describe ourselves were quite different than how we described the Pigeon!

2nd Grade Rising Star!

In the last two days, my son Mason was able to join us for part of our morning in 2nd grade.  He brought his mini guitar to play us some tunes during snack time.  Even better, one of our own 2nd graders was able to share her talent with us.  We were blown away!  Check out their videos below.

Pretzel Polygons

Earlier in the week we did some edible math!  The focus of the lesson was on the angles of polygons. We've learned that a polygon is a closed shape with straight sides. We made different shapes using pretzels and marshmallows.  The students then drew the shape on their recording sheets and identified the number of sides and shapes.  Their favorite part was of course eating the polygons at the end!

Cookbook "Wants" Purchases

After brainstorming a whole list of items that the class "wanted," they ultimately decided on a new bean bag as a reading seat and a smelly marker for each student in the class.  After researching a few bean bag options, they all very enthusiastically picked out this purple emoji bean bag for $35.  Three sets of smelly markers were purchased for $20, and each student picked out a color to keep.  They have been enjoying their new purchases all week!

Cookbook Purchases- Needs

Upon coming back from Christmas break we took care of our first order of business concerning our cookbook money- paying back the school for the cost of printing and supplies.  We invited Mr. Semmen into our classroom to share our total cookbook sales with him and to pay back $62.10 to the school.

The next thing we decided as a class is what we needed to purchase.  The class all agreed that we needed additional pencils and more sand to add to a word work bin.  This purchase cost about $20.  The students all received 5 new pencils each.

We then brainstormed ideas for what we wanted... more pictures to come on that decision!