As promised, Spring is here.  The classroom is getting kind of stuffy and we are making our way through the State tests.  Because testing chops up our schedule somewhat, we took the opportunity to do some more independent projects.  Based on some recent curiosity about Zika virus, kids watched videos about the human immune system and took notes.  We also used the Tinkercad program and Thingiverse to find 3D models of viruses, immune cells and different proteins to learn about the cellular shape of things.  After that kids had a choice on how to represent what they had learned.  Some students made posters, some made quizzes using Google forms and some made slideshows.  On Friday we had an Immune System museum where everyone shared their learning.  Great stuff!

To further the joy of independent learning we are switching up homework for a while.  We have a really nice class set of science project cards donated by a parent.  Kids are going to choose a card that they think they could do more or less independently at home.  If that doesn’t work out just let me know and we’ll get them a new card.  None of them require any special materials but feel free to embellish if you want.  I’m hoping the projects can be done in time to share on Friday for another museum time.  The science project will replace our normal math homework.  Enjoy the work together!

Thanks,

Mark

Two hour late opening on Wednesday 4/20.  It is also a school spirit day where students can dress as their favorite book character.

HOMEWORK THIS WEEK:   Due Friday 4/22

• READING: Daily reading and one Reading Journal Response.
• Science project.