Maple Sugaring Trip

We had a wonderful time at the Ipswich Wildlife Sanctuary. The maple sugaring program supported or study of plants and trees. It also supports the economic standard of producers and consumers. It was fun to think about what products we grow or produce in New England (lobsters, apples, pumpkins, maple syrup) and what products we consume from other parts of the world (bananas, oranges and nuts). The highlight of the trip is toasting the trees with a taste of maple syrup. Our thanks to the Hamilton Conservation commission for supporting this trip.

Observational Sketching

As part of our study of plants, the students completed observational sketches of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Our discussion focused on what part of the plant was edible.

Engineering Blueprints

On Friday, we worked with our buddies to create an invention based on an animal part or feature. This cross age work is so exciting for everyone. The students collaborated and thought of some very unique inventions. We will present our inventions this week.

All School Meeting

On Wednesday morning, we gathered for all school meeting. The 5th graders shared about our donations for Cradle to Crayons. Just a reminder that the 1st graders are collecting new pajamas. Also, we rollercoaster counted to 110 with the kindergartners. The meeting ended with the string jam playing for us.

Snow Much Fun!

The children were delighted to play in the snow. We are looking forward to playing again this week. Please continue to send in snow pants and boots.

Animal Reports

We shared our animal reports with a partner. After, we had a viewing and each student wrote a compliment for two of their classmates. It was a wonderful way to practice our speaking and writing skills.

Measurement

In math, we have been focused on measuring with non standard units. The children have been thinking about how to measure accurately. Also, we have introduced 1 inch tiles as a measurement tool.  Everyone has enjoyed using the materials. Also, we have been practicing telling time to the hour and recording time in both an analog and digital way.

Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.MD.A.1
Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.MD.A.2
Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps. Limit to contexts where the object being measured is spanned by a whole number of length units with no gaps or overlaps.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6 Attend to precision.

Mathematically proficient students try to communicate precisely to others. They try to use clear definitions in discussion with others and in their own reasoning. They state the meaning of the symbols they choose, including using the equal sign consistently and appropriately. They are careful about specifying units of measure, and labeling axes to clarify the correspondence with quantities in a problem. They calculate accurately and efficiently, express numerical answers with a degree of precision appropriate for the problem context. In the elementary grades, students give carefully formulated explanations to each other. By the time they reach high school they have learned to examine claims and make explicit use of definitions.