Good afternoon everyone!
The Super Kids have been busy exploring the scientific process, making observations, and conducting some hands on experiments. There is a mandated to wear masks in public places in Manitoba, but what is a medical grade mask made of? What can we learn about them by using our senses? We took a closer look at medical grade masks. By using scientific tools like magnifying glasses and even a microscope the kids made observations and came to some theories about the materials used in these masks. They tested to see if the material was waterproof and took a closer look at the way they are made.
Winnipeg in November can provide some interesting weather! This November we have been having some cold days followed by a few mild days and then back to cold. These changing temperatures makes for a slippery playground. The students noticed that the snow was melting and then turning to ice only to melt during the day and make a slushy mess. It was a perfect opportunity to talk about states of matter. We dove into accessing what our prior knowledge was, making questions, and researching why our playground kept changing.
What is temperature? Each morning in November we look up what the temperature outside was and recorded it. The Super Kids explored with thermometers and conducted experiments with both hot and cold water. We discussed how matter is made up of particles and how when they are heated they speed up and when they are cooled they slow down.
Sid the Science Kid is a class favourite so we had to watch the episode that talks about states of matter.
The Super Kids came in from recess to a surprise the other day…hot chocolate with marshmallows! Not only is it a tasty treat, but it also has all three states of matter. As we mixed our hot chocolate we talked about what we noticed. Why does the water turned brown? Why do the marshmallows melt? Why is there stem coming off our cups? Why does blowing on our cups help? There were so many connections being made!
The next set was to create an art project that shows all three states of matter. We drew and painted hot chocolate mugs.
While conducting these experiments and talking about states of matter, we were also reading the book “Peter Powers And His Not So Super Power” by Kent Clark. Which I just realized as I type this is an interesting author’s name for a superhero book. Clark Kent is Superman isn’t it?
It is a beginning chapter books that the class just loved! It’s about a boy who is in a superhero family and he is just developing his superpowers. At the moment he can only make ice cubes with his fingers. Of course the class made the connection to our science lessons! I wish I could said that I planned that connection, but honestly it was a happy coincidence that we ran with. 🙂 Have you ever noticed that superheroes usually have powers that control matter, a state of matter, or maybe even more than one? If you could have a superpower that controlled a state of matter what would it be? That was the question posed to the Super Kids. We are currently in the middle of our writing project describing their superpower! Some of their superheroes name’s are Lava Girl, Homeless Helper, Freezer Burn, Earth Girl, Captain Tornado, Gravity Boy and so many more. I just love the creativity!
Next it was creating our own superhero! With a direct drawing lesson, each student created their own superhero art project. They turned out so great. The kids love them!
National Kindness Day was this month. We read “Kindness Is My Superpower” to set the stage for the day.
Our class had to take the opportunity to thank the adults in our school that help teach us and keep us safe every day. We made kindness confetti cards and delivered them to these adults. We put a lot of smiles on peoples faces. I always tell my students that “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
We watched the following video showing how one act of kindness can lead to another.
I then challenged the class to create their own chain reactions to show that one action leads to another. They created them with supplies brought from home or in the classroom.
A fun new math game the kids have been excited to play is called Even Steven and Odd Todd. Students roll 1,2, or even 3 dice, add the numbers together and then determine if the number is even or odd. They race themselves to the end of line. Then they race up to the board and tally if Odd Todd or Even Steven won. The class is given a certain amount of time to complete as many rounds as they can and we then see who is the winner. To say we get really crazy during this time would be an understatement. It’s been a blast.
The class has been exploring making words during word work time.
Our school’s mascot even popped by on Friday to put some smiles on our faces!
Take care and stay tuned for more Super Kids adventures. 🙂
