WATER!

This week, from our Morphic Thinking all the way to our farewell, our focus was on water.  Students read A River Ran Wild by Lynne Cherry and saw the effects of disrespecting water as a resource. They also saw that there is hope for restoration of polluted waterways and how they can play a part in the solution.  Research was done on watersheds and students got to participate in a simulation of pollution's downstream journey.

We also looked at different tests that can be conducted to evaluate water quality.  Some of these tests will help us identify our Gray Area culprit.  We learned about turbidity tests to check for clarity and sediments, (helpful in the investigation of the erosion caused by the clear-cutting logging company) phosphate and nitrate tests to see if fertilizers may be causing an abundance of algae growth, (helpful in the investigation of the cattle ranch and farm)  bio-assessment tests for macro-invertebrates, and pH tests.  We also started our novel study of Listening to Crickets, a story of conservationist Rachel Carson.

Watershed demonstration

Setting up Gray Area headquarters.

Today's literature.

Welcome to Gray Area

We are officially embarking on our journey as environmental detectives!  Today students did a review of systems and a teamwork challenge to prepare themselves for their upcoming experiences. Students were introduced to the Gray Area and the mysterious fish kill that has been taking place there over the last five years.  They met some of the key players (suspects?!?!) in the region, looked at maps of the area to identify factors that may be at play, and studied the history of the area as they compiled a time line of events and developments over the past 100 years.  Throughout this semester they will be acting as scientists, council members, reporters, and detectives as they conduct tests and research to uncover the reason behind the declining fish population.

Systems Review...

The Human Knot Teamwork Challenge...

Gray Area Timeline Mapping...

Order in the Court!

We created some similes as our spontaneous problem.  Students made comparisons of themselves when managing and not managing their impulsivity.  They came up with some cute ones!

• When I manage my impulsivity I am like an ice burg because I am cool and quiet.
• When I don't manage my impulsivity I am like a volcano shouting out words.
• When I manage my impulsivity I am like an eagle hunting its prey.
• When I don't manage my impulsivity I am like a lion in a zebra herd.

Student pairs researched and created presentations on selected aspects of trials.  They then presented their findings to the class to give us a well rounded look at what happens in the courtroom. They were also able to compete as the plaintiff vs. the defendant in a mock case at this website.
Student Presentations:
Prosecutor
Defendant
Court Helpers
Witness
Jury
Judge

Courtroom helpers presentation

The plaintiff's team making opening statements.

Math Bingo

Today students focused on math as they had some choice activities to review median, mode and range.  Following some good work and discussion they took a wrap up assessment to show off their learning.

Here are just a few of their awesome products!

Hailey's Range How To

Mean Mary Ann :)

Here are some online games for further practice:
http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/numbers/meanmedianmode.html

http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/math-games/send-trolls/

http://www.turtlediary.com/game/mean-median-mode-range.html

We also got to take a virtual tour of a courthouse at this site: virtual field trip.

The Case of the Teachernapping

I had a bit of a scare today as I was whisked off unexpectedly.  My twin sister, Mrs. Donaldson, took over for me and helped the students put their CSI knowledge, Habits of Mind, and math data skills into action to find me.  They processed the crime scene for evidence, used deductive reasoning, interviewed a witness, and found my location based on the median of the information I was able to provide.  It turns out that I was taken to a surprise party where our class was named ALERT class of 2015!  I am so proud.  I was able to make it back in time to celebrate with students.  I am looking forward to our awesomeness continuing in 2016.

Teachernapping Video 1

Teachernapping Video 2

Teachnapping Video 3

Teachernapping Video 4

We also managed to squeeze in some research on trials.  We have looked at crime scenes, forensics labs, and now will follow the evidence to court.  Students used Nearpod to read an article covering the basics of a trial and watched a BrainPop video sharing the difference between criminal and civil cases.  Next week we will take a virtual field trip through a courthouse and look closer at the parts of the courtroom system to prepare for our real field study there later in the semester.

Forensics Lab

This week we transformed our classroom into a forensics lab to test some evidence fresh in from the crime scene.  Our analysts learned about chromatography and matched ink band samples from different pens to find the culprit who wrote the ransom note in The Case of the Dognapping.  They also compared physical properties of three different mystery powders confiscated from suspects in The Case of the Crummy Cake.  Students then looked at the chemical properties of the substances as they tested their reactions to water and vinegar.

For math, we worked on more median, mode, and range as they sorted data from our heart rate project.  We also used this video to jog our memories after the break: Mean, Median, and Mode Toads.

We also learned how to play Mastermind and had great conversations about code breaking strategy!

Footprint Follow-up and DNA!

As the last class before break, we spent some time reflecting and goal setting for the new year.  I am proud of all this class has accomplished.  I can already see a lot of growth and love watching them apply the language and skills of our Habits of Mind!  

We also did some field study follow up looking at a crime scene as a system and sharing about our highlights and takeaways of the trip.  We mixed in some math by looking at our footprints and using them to predict our height.  Students checked their measurements to see the correlation.

Finally we practiced our close reading skills to understand DNA and its use as evidence in court. Students summarized their findings and challenged each other with comprehension questions they had created.