Water Cycle Baggies and Equivalent Fractions...A Busy Tuesday!

In science today, the students worked in their science groups to build a water cycle in a baggie. They followed directions to set up the experiment, and created their own data collection charts in their science notebooks. When we observed the baggies just a little over an hour after setting them up, we could already see evidence of condensation! Lots of predictions abound in Room 3 about what will happen to the water in the baggie. Look for another water cycle experiment coming home tomorrow!






Today, we learned a mathematical strategy for finding equivalent fractions. I was amazed at how quickly the class picked up on it! We used white boards (which may have some magical mathematical powers) to show equivalent fractions, and added to an equivalent fractions chart in the math journals.

Valentine's Day

Our classroom looked like an explosion of red, purple, and pink! We had a lovely time celebrating Valentine's Day this afternoon. We had red and purple fruit, goodies, and lots of festive valentines from friends. Thanks to the wonderful parents who contributed to our festive celebration.

Fraction Action

A big idea that we're beginning to explore in math is that fractions can have lots of names. The students begin by using fraction cards to compare fractions. They quickly see that one-half is the same as two-fourths, and that the rectangle broken into four equal pieces just has smaller pieces than the rectangle that shows halves. We'll eventually learn a mathematical way to find lots of equivalent fractions. The fact that we can rename a fraction in multiple ways is one example of the power of mathematics!

Water

We've been studying the properties of water. The students learned the parts of a water molecule, and made a very scientific model of it...in the form of a hat! We've explored freezing and melting and have learned about water's sticky properties. Cohesion is when water droplets stick to each other. Adhesion is when water droplets stick to other things. We've also learned about the density of water compared to other liquids. One big idea is that cold water is more dense than hot water, and that salt water is more dense than fresh. Water is exciting to explore!