Fifth Grade
We began our day using our convergent thinking skills completing a few plexiars. We then worked on activity called “Evaluative Connections.” This activity required us to go through the evaluative thinking process to determine how to build the strongest bridge possible out of straws and pins. The students also worked on the affective growth standard of respecting the input of others by setting group norms and adhering to these norms as they worked together to build the straw bridge. The students made some great decision about what should be part of their group norms.
Our classes had some great current event stories. Students showed their eagerness to discuss the world around them. We look forward to our next group's news.
The day ended by discussing the components of what makes a great logo for a business. We learned a great logo is simple, memorable, timeless, versatile, and appropriate. We also looked closely to see how logos of many companies such as Nike and Ford have evolved over the years.
Homework: What makes a great logo?
Fourth Grade
Critical thinking and creative thinking was used as students completed Word Bridges. They tried to "bridge" two words by using another word to create a common saying, phrase, or compound word. An example is Dog__________Wife. What do you think would connect the words?
By working together with strips of paper and brads the students discovered that one way to make a square more rigid is by creating two triangles from it. This is why a truss design is used on bridges and other constructions such as roofs and patio decks.
The research that was begun last week, Building Big, was completed by the students. All students should now be well-versed in their knowledge about bridges. Discuss with your student what they have learned so far about bridges.
Construction teams were formed. Students were given their jobs for the construction of a bridge in the near future.
Current events continue to be a time when lots of good thinking happens. Students amaze us with their insight and ideas about topics presented.
Homework: Linking Bridges
2nd and 3rd Grade
Due to testing, we had a shorten day in ALP this week. We spent our day going through three stations which taught us about some of the things we will be looking at when we go to the river.
Temperature Training- Students learned all about temperature. We talked about what it is and how we measure it. We also discussed thermal pollution and the negative impact it can have on the river. We concluded our station by practicing with our thermometers. We measured both air and water temperatures.
Velocity-Students practiced testing the velocity of a stream. Using ping-pong balls, the hallway, a stop watch and a few students pretending to be rocks, students were able to measure how quickly the ball traveled down the stream. After a few tries students learned to find the average velocity of the pretend river.
Enviroscape- Students learned the effects of pollution. Using a model of a town and some colored paints. Students watched as pollution traveled through the water. At this station, students were also able to share with their classmates their homework regarding the Chattahoochee and their Native American name.
Homework: Reflecting on Water Quality
Please return field trip forms by next week. The permission slip is front and back. Please complete both sides. If you have lost ot misplaced your packet, the forms are posted on the blog under Pages titled River Kid Information Packet.
Thank you to all students and parents who joined us at East Cobb Park after school. We had a great time working together to clean up the river. The students were able to find lots of trash and enjoyed time together.
