JAWS!!!

Many may have heard over the last few weeks that we have survival of the fittest examples happening in our classroom. It is true, and the students have nicknamed our predatory trout "JAWS". Our trout are getting much bigger and their behavior has been very "human" like. We have been observing their interactions lately and many students have been surprised about how "territorial" the fish are being. They like their spots in the tank and react very differently when food is added to the tank. We look forward to watching their growth as we head towards the spring. We hope all have enjoyed the snow. We look forward to warmer temperatures and experiences outdoors with our beautiful campus.

We Are SURROUNDED by VARIABLES!!!!!

We are beginning our next unit in 5th grade Science this week. We will be working with the Scientific Method for this “Variables Unit”. We will be learning about how the Scientific Method helps us to organize our experiments and conduct them in a step-by-step manner for optimal success. During this unit we will be setting up and executing our own experiments in class as well as working with Mrs. Reid’s History class to apply what we are doing in science with the scientific discoveries of that time in History. Scientists such as Newton and Galileo will have parts of their teachings used within class as well as those of Archimedes to help conduct our experiments and learn how they really made their discoveries.
This Variables unit will combine our prior knowledge with our new knowledge to drive our learning. Each lab will be conducted using the Scientific Method and the students will be introduced to the format of lab reporting. We will use various forms of presentation at the conclusion of each lab to experience public speaking as well as public presentation skills. We are looking forward to a wonderful unit!!!!!!!!

Plants, Cells and MORE!!!

This past week our 5th graders have been examining plants, cells, and the way that plants survive. Today we examined plants at every stage of their life cycle during a hands on investigation lab. We spent time looking at seeds, leaves, full grown plants, developing plants, and wood parts and types from full grown trees. We focused on connecting our vocabulary to tangible items and were able to see similarities and differences as we conducted our investigations. I have also encouraged the students to look at plants around their house and look at the similarities and differences in the plants and the way they are able to survive within the household. Please feel free to share the reasons you may have chosen certain plants for their ability to survive under many different conditions.

NEW PLANTS!

Our 5th grade classes have been studying plants and their parts and functions. We are currently experimenting with growth using tomato seeds. The students are responsible for keeping track of their growth as well as tracking via description and measurement once the new plant emerges. There is an interesting twist to these plants however...they are growing in plastic bags wrapped in moist paper towel. We have attached these experiments to our windows to stimulate growth in response to light.
Other sample plants have been placed around the room to see how plants placed in differing conditions will respond and grow. Our next step is to look at plants and animals on a cellular level and examine the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells. If you have the chance at home, search your yards for examples of "new growth" or seeds that may be exposed due to the quickly changing weather.
As the leaves change we will be exploring the reasons for the colors as well as the leaf structure itself. Stay tuned for plant updates as well!!!!!!!

We're Being Invaded!!!!!!!!!

Our Invasive Species projects are incredible. Our students completed their research and presentations between this past Thursday and Today. Everyone got the chance to share the information that they had gathered to their classmates and we all learned how dangerous it can be to introduce a foreign plant or animal to any new habitat. The presentations covered many different plant and animal species that have been introduced in the Americas as well as overseas. Many species that have been labeled "Invasive" began as "Introduced" species that were brought to different areas to help balance or fix an ecosystem. What had not been researched was what would happen if the particular species had no natural predators in their new habitat. After completing classwork on the Nile Perch I was very happy to see how well everyone was able to research their own species for their presentations. All of the students were prepared and discussed the natural habitat of their species as well as the new habitats that they were introduced to. We are now discussing how populations of organisms are influenced as a result of these new species interactions and what can happen to the natural food web of their particular ecosystem.

All About Plants!

Our 5th grade classes are diving into plants! We have begun with seed and plant parts and will continue our work next week discussing the definitions of each plant and seed part as well as its function. We are hoping for better weather next week so we can use our outdoor classroom as well as other areas of campus. Since each plant is unique we will be examining MANY different types to get a great perspective on growth and life.
This weekend, please work with your student to look at the different types of plants and trees around your home and help them make a mental list for discussion about the observations that you all make about the leaves, trunks, stems, and possibly roots of each.

Have a great weekend!

WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!

We are back to school again with our beautiful views and exciting outlooks for a new year. We have changed locations and in the building and are enjoying the lab space as well as open work space in the room.

Our fifth graders have kicked off their year working on Plants and the Environment and we have begun comparing different types of plants and will be working on plant parts over the next few weeks. Our school grounds provide us with a wonderful opportunity to see our plants in action before the weather turns too cold as well so we will be out and about to see nature in action.

The sixth grade have jumped right into Ecology where we have begun our study of our relationship with our environment around us in the new classroom as well as how we as a school influence the animal and plant populations around the school. We too will be heading out and about on campus to examine what we do, good and bad, to the environment we reside in.

We are all excited about kicking off this new school year and hope to see everyone soon!
Remember there will be questions to discuss posted here so check back often!

My first response question of the year is how might the growing population of people in Ridgefield influence the animal and plant populations here?