Post date: May 04, 2013 6:10:44 AM
Happy (early) Saturday!
I hope that your week went well and that you have great plans for this weekend. I'm hoping for good sailing winds on our local lake.
Recap of the Week:
First off, I'd really like to praise the kids for their year-long tolerance of the less-than-thrilling textbook reading and testing routine. We have finished the entire book and that is quite a laudable accomplishment. The class activities that supported and extended the concepts taught by each chapter were fewer than I had hoped, but the sheer breadth of topics contained in the almost-700 pages of the book has given the kids a wide foundation. Additionally, many students have really honed their ability to read text material and conquer the all-too-predictable multiple choice test.
The final two units in science (but not in the book) will be astronomy until late May and then Human Growth and Development from then until the end of the year.
The only paperwork for this week was the "Planet Packet". Individuals researched specifics about a particular planet and then compared/shared that information within groups of eight. I am so impressed by how well the students are working together and building knowledge. The largest (and almost only) project for this unit will be the construction of an astronomy board game. I have created an extensive guide that should help the groups with all aspects of this project. Most of the groups have formed and topics chosen and next week's class sessions will be buzzing with the design & building process.
During May, students can choose to do another science demonstration designed to bring great a-ha (and oooh-aaah) moments on a daily basis.
Drinking Fountain:
During two afternoons, an energetic group of a dozen kids continued excavating a cubic yard of soil to make way for the drain basin for the water-fountain. We are on schedule to make this vision into a reality before school ends, but I'm in need of someone who has knowledge in plumbing and masonry... any volunteers?
Appreciating the Help: As always, the parents who come to class each week are keeping things flowing smoothly and adding great value to the experiences of the kids as well as myself. Papers are scored, room is cleaned, trips are organized, chaparones have stepped up, and great opportunities are provided, all due to the selfless and committed parents in the DCS community.
Check Your Calendar:
May 6: Asian Art Museum
May 10: GPS class goes camping in the redwoods
May 11: Tree planting in the alley
May 14: DeAnza Planetarium
May 28, 29, & 30: Gettysburg battle simulation
May 20, 21, 22, 23: Cal Coast WalkAbout
May 27: Memorial Day
May 31: Last Middle School dance
June 10: Graduation
June 11: Last day of school