Earth Day

We had so much fun working in our outdoor classroom and filling up our new compost bin.  Our learning expedition "The World is our Garden" has caused us to be so curious about the earth and our outdoor classroom and garden.  The students realized how much work it is to get a garden ready for planting. This was perfect timing with Earth Day!

 Students enjoyed moving things around, climbing and exploring our future outdoor classroom.  It is so exciting to think how it will change!

 Our compost was filled with lots of decayed and decomposing fruits and vegetables from all Fox Creek students!  We hope you can come volunteer Sunday, April 26 from 1-3 pm for Love in Action Day when we will clean up Fox Creek and work in the outdoor garden.

Mr. Gary had no idea that he would be involved in our Earth Day clean up.  The kids helped by getting rid of all the garbage and excess concrete in the garden.  Thanks to Mr. Gary for always keeping a smile on his face when I come up with the fun ideas in first grade.

Fox Trot

The Fox Creek Fox Trot (fun run) is on Friday, May 1.  We will be trotting (walking, running and having fun) from 9-10 am.  Please come join us!  We want all kiddos to wear athletic gear (tennis shoes and comfy clothes) so they can spend the entire time moving.  We are running to raise money for more math and technology in our classrooms.  We are excited about this challenge of raising $50,000.  Please encourage your child to call/contact family and friends to sponsor them and get donations.  Thank you for your support and help!

Case Study #2 - Earth's Materials

 Our second case study is all about earth's materials.  We observed rocks and noticed their properties (color, texture, size, etc.).  We spent time putting rocks in water and took notes as to how the rocks changed. 

Students collaborated with other crew members to observe, make predictions, ask questions and record. We used magnifying glasses to take a closer look.  In addition, we are close reading our science text Pebbles, Sand and Silt.  From here, we are learning about important vocabulary and determining importance while we read.  Our book boxes are now filled with sticky notes and lots of notes as we are thinking while we are reading.

 Questions we are wondering:
~How does an earth's materials size impact its use in our community?
~What things are made from earth's materials?
~How do earth's materials impact our garden?

Students were introduced to different sized screens.  These screens allowed students to sort earth's materials by size.  From here, students were introduced to pebbles, gravel and sand.  We explored our outdoor areas around the school to find how earth's materials are used in our environment.

What's The Matter?

We finished up our first case study What's the Matter? A study of liquids and solids. 

Students were introduced to science vocabulary such as:
prediction
observe
analyze
experiment
data

As scientists, we first looked at solids and recognized the properties of all different solids.  Next, we experimented with liquids and identified the properties of liquids.  We compared and contrasted solids and liquids by their properties.  







Students got to roll and spin different liquids on ramps, on the carpet and tables. Students recorded all of their findings in their science notebooks.

Students loved learning about different sized solids and using containers to pour and fill.  The buzz of learning is great to hear while students collaborate in different groups.