Monday, March 31, 2014

Describing Different Types of Balls

Our science activity today focused on describing different characteristics of the balls that we will be using during our study of force and motion.  By examining them carefully, students noticed and recorded different characteristics such as weight, size, texture, bounciness, and any other unique features.  Subsequent lessons will involve doing experiments to determine whether or not these characteristics have an affect on how a ball rolls down a ramp.  

Ten Turns

We stated a new unit in math today, called "Twos, Fives, and Tens". We began the unit by playing an addition game, Ten Turns.  This game involved many skills such as counting and keeping track of amounts up to 60, counting on from a known quantity, and organizing objects to count them more efficiently.  

Bus info

The bus garage has asked that all Chittenden East schools write physical 911 addresses on bus passes to assist bus drivers in knowing where students are going. In order to make this process easier for the office, we are asking that parents use the attached form, which can also be found on the website, or on social media sites, or make sure to include this information on notes sent into school. We appreciate your assistance.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Force and Motion Experiment

Our first science experiment in our force and motion study involved using 3 different balls (a wooden ball, a styrofoam ball, and a marble) and a straw.  Students blew through a straw (as their force) to see which of the three balls were the easiest to make move.  We began with writing a question, making a prediction, and drawing our plan.  Then they ran their experiment.  Ask your child what they found out!

Smoothies

After working hard and earning a smoothie reward, first graders were finally able to enjoy them!!!  A HUGE thank you to everyone who was able to send in some fruit or even a blender for us to use!  And an even bigger thank you to Meredith for helping to create our smoothies!  They were a delicious hit this morning!!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

What is Science?

Part of our Force and Motion unit in first grade is to learn about experiments and the concept of fair tests.  This afternoon we had a great discussion around the question, "What is science?".  Students wrote about this in their science journals and then shared their ideas.  They hit on just about all of the main aspects of science!



Monday, March 24, 2014

Force and Motion - Our First Day

We began our new science unit on Force and Motion today.  Students have already learned some basic knowledge about how things move, and what a force is.  They spent time exploring with balls and ramps with a partner.  Afterward, they wrote in their science journals recording some of their questions and wonderings after having had this exploration time.