Post date: Apr 05, 2014 5:10:12 AM
Hey There Room 25.
Two days to go until we leave for Yosemite. The kids, chaperones, and I are all excited to be able to spend some time in that amazing place. When I worked at Kennedy for those 20 years, we took all of the (350) 8th graders for a week there every year, and the experiences are powerful and always take us a bit out of our comfort zone, in a great way. I am sure that this trip will be one we will benefit from and remember for a long time -- I really like traveling and exploring with this class!
Science: The muscular and integumentary (skin) systems were the topics for the week. The kids learned about the three types of muscle tissues and memorized just a few of the skeletal muscles. For a scant 2 days I had them learn various things about the layers of skin and all its great functions. I'm not thrilled with my own lessons in science these days, actually. I've been remiss in my duties in that I haven't been diligent enough about bringing in hands-on materials for these lessons. I should be getting cow knee joints from the butcher, having the kids "dissect" chicken legs, and bringing in a dermatologist to do a presentation for the kids. Anyway, there is still time left this year for those things and so much more.
English: Animal book projects should be well underway, I assume (gulp). The kids have all set their own due dates, so I have to trust, although cautiously that they are keeping up with their own schedule of progress. The other project underway is the kids' exploration and creation of an InfoGraphic. These things are quite popular these days and examples are abundant. This page on my site shows the phases and due dates for this project, and I'm hoping to get a graphic designer to come speak to the kids about the principles of design and how to make the best use of text and graphics to convey information.
Thanks to Karen for hosting the Laps for Learning pizza party on Thursday, and thanks to Alan for taking a day off to be at the science expo, playing yard duty in my room at lunch, and assisting me with my classes for the rest of the day.
Calendar Check:
Yosemite Week -- Monday 4/7/14 to Friday 4/11/14
Diversity Conference -- April 11
Spring Break -- Monday 4/14/14 to Friday 4/18/14
Spring Conferences -- optional and by appointment
Jumba Fundraiser -- April 25
Spring Auction -- May 3
Room 19 Walkabout -- May 13, 14, 15
Memorial Day -- May 26
Step-Up Day -- June 2
Talent Show -- June 11
Field Day & BBQ -- June 13
Last Day of School -- June 18
See you all Monday morning.
Love,
Chris