A Day of Exploration

This week 4th graders welcomed a real biologist into the classroom. Mr. Trovillion, our mentor for raising trout in the classroom came in and shared his experiences as a biologist and some truly fascinating facts about rainbow trout! We learned SO much from him! Students were also introduced to classification and taxonomy through an activity that had them sorting objects. Before it was time to go, we had an opportunity to glow. Actually we learned about bioluminescence and participated in an activity that had students trying to find their own species in a dark room, where the only language was light. (Morse code signals). See footage of our busy day in the video below.

Storybook Trials

5th graders have been "hired" to represent important clients. . . Okay - they are storybook characters. Can they convince a jury and win the case? We will find out next week! Take a peek at the students preparing for the cases.

Fish Goggle Fun

4th graders are examining the exciting world under the water. With our always fashionable ocean goggles students can see what the world looks like through fish eyes. By graphing results of the "hunt" students discovered what color is the best adaptation for the colors of fish. Ask your child what color fish they would want to be in order to survive the longest.

Real-World Sleuths

Officer Hobson and Mrs. Koho joined third graders today to share their real-world sleuth skills. Students were able to learn about various areas of police work and forensic science. We saw photos of the crime lab and learned about some of their high-tech methods to collect and examine evidence. Then students were able to use magnetic fingerprint powder, explore with an alternate light source (to find prints in a dark room), and ask questions. Did you know prints can be pulled off of a sheet of paper? We watched Mrs. Koho use a chemical and an iron to expose prints off of a plain old sheet of printer paper! Take a peek at some of these activities in the following video:

Diving into the Depths

Fourth graders have been incorporating research, engineering, coding, and green screen technology into a creative documentary of a specific ocean zone. Splash in to these informational and entertaining videos!

Epipelagic Zone

Mesopelagic Zone

Bathypelagic Zone

Abyssal Zone

Hadalpelagic Zone

Ozobot SweetHeart Round-up

5th graders relied on their computational thinking, creativity, and collaboration as they worked through the design process. Programming, trying, and tweaking is surprisingly complex!Check out their amazing creations!

Valentiny Express: Balloon Powered Vehicles

Third graders had the ever important task of designing a balloon powered vehicle that could deliver Valentine Hearts quickly! Check out their design process as they plan, build, try, and redesign. Success is sweet when you work this hard!