Our field trip to the zoo

Today we went to Jacksonville Zoo. What a perfect field trip to take the day before spring break starts! We were able to see lots of the habitats we've been studying in science. The education program let us touch a snake, baby alligator, rabbit, and box turtle. The kimodo dragon and penguin exhibits were very popular! It was a beautiful day and our wonderful parent chaperones helped to make it even more special for the kids!

Author Visit from Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole

Today we were visited by two of our favorite people, writer Pamela Duncan Edwards and illustrator Henry Cole. They talked about the process they go through to publish a book. Pamela told us how many times she writes and rewrites her stories and Henry showed us about six different covers he drew for his very first book. They were very entertaining! Our March book of the month is by this dynamic team and if you click on the first link you will see Mrs. Phillips, our principal, reading it.

http://ccebom.wikispaces.com/2010+March

Here is a link to some wonderful pictures of them as well!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/holtsman/sets/72157623606899807/

A Glimpse Into Math Workshop

Here is a video of our Math Workshop lesson about measuring length using "crooked paths." Students measured these paths using yarn and then compared them to see which path was longer. Listen for the great conversations the students have and watch the way they collaborate to draw their conclusions.

Untitled from Melanie Holtsman on Vimeo.

Spectacular Spuds

Just for fun we gave our class an assignment to turn a potato into something special. What we got was AMAZING! We have patriotic potatoes, surfing potatoes, rasta, hula, and spring potatoes, princess potatoes, leprechaun potatoes, even an Indiana Jones potato! This has proven to be an entertaining family project!

Lucky Leprechauns

Earlier this month we drew a leprechaun face on a styrofoam cup. Then we added potting soil and rye grass seed. While sitting in the sun and soaking up a drink of water, our leprechauns began to grow green hair! We'll take them home on St. Patrick's Day but may need to give them a haircut first!

Using Our Solar Ovens to Cook 'Smores

On a bright, sunny day in March the class lined shoeboxes to make a solar oven. Inside we stacked a graham cracker, chocolate bar, marshmallow, and another graham cracker. We covered the top with plastic wrap and let it bake in the sun for 20 minutes. Delicious!