Sue Delaney's MAG

Today Dr. Len Grauer, one of our classroom Grandpas, came to visit our class. We examined the complex question, “What is light?” Dr. Grauer made this lesson very “kid friendly” by using a series of pictures and some prisms to help explain that light, while it appears to be white, is actually made up of different colors. We were fortunate that the sun cooperated with us, and we were able to go outside and see the rainbow of color.
Dr. Gauer was kind enough to stay with us and answer a variety of questions ranging from, “Why does the scar on my face get sunburned more easily?” and “Will the cut on my arm heal?” to an explanation of the migration patterns of early man. It is such a pleasure to have so many family members who are able to share their expertise and areas of interest with us!
light/prisms on PhotoPeach

Today we continued our study of air and weather by investigating parachutes. In order to discover how parachutes use air, we constructed our own parachutes out of paper napkins and string and flew them outside our classroom. The paper clips at the end of our parachute represented the passengers.

By counting how many seconds it took for the parachute to reach the ground we discovered that the parachute fell faster when there were two passengers attached. Afterwards we discussed the fact that air is all around the parachute and helps it float to the ground. In order for the parachute to move through the air, it pushes the air out of its way. We learned that when any object moves through air it is slowed down by air resistance.

parachutes on PhotoPeach

We are beginning a new unit of study on air and weather in science.  The children will engage in experiences that heighten their awareness, curiosity, and understanding of the Earth’s dynamic atmosphere.

In our first series of investigations the children will discover the following principals:

Air is a gas that is all around us.

Air is matter and takes up space.

Air makes objects move.

Air moves from place to place. Moving air is wind.

Air resistance affects how things move.

Air can be compressed.

The pressure from compressed air can move things, including water.

Today using a balloon, a feather, a plastic bag, a flexible straw and a styrofoam ball we began our investigation.
It is amazing just how red a person’s face can get when they are trying to blow up a balloon!
air/weather on PhotoPeach

Our visit to the Connecticut Science Center provided us with a day full of questions, hands-on investigations, exploration and fun. Many thanks to our parent chaperones who helped to make the trip so memorable.

Today during our science lesson the children investigated another property of liquids-miscibility. By pouring shampoo, oil and glue into cups of water they were able to observe which liquids mix with water.  They were also able to observe that some liquids float in water, while others sink.

The children’s response to this lesson was enthusiastic and lively.  One child said it was “awesome” as he watched the shampoo and water mix. Another child said “spectacular” as she observed the oil bubble on the surface of the water.  The children were delighted with the tornado like action of the liquids as they stirred the contents of their cups.

Predictions were made before the investigation began, and at the end of the lesson the children recorded their results checking to see how accurate their predictions were.

We followed up on our investigation with a discussion about oils spills and how damaging they can be to our environment. Scientists are exploring a variety of ways to effectively clean up these spills and mitigate the damage they do to animals and plants. Perhaps some of the children in this class will be part of the solution to this difficult problem.
Miscibility on PhotoPeach

I am beginning to do optional end of the year conferences.  If you are interested in chatting about your child’s progress this semester please call, email, or stop into the classroom to sign up for a conference.

It was beautiful sunny weather for 2013′s Field Day.  We had fierce competition, lots of laughter, good sportsmanship and fun!  The day ended with a farewell ride around the field by Mr. Ted Willis, who is retiring at the end of the year after 43 years at Foote School.  Field Day is a long standing tradition at Foote and we congratulate all of the children on their enthusiastic participation and generous good sportsmanship.

Today the sun was shining on our spectacular celebration of the children’s work during our study of Native American Indians.

The morning began with the recitation of two “coming of age” poems, and then moved into the classroom for the main event.  The children were knowlegeable, enthusiastic docents for our “classroom museum.”  They taught their guests all about the Eastern Woodland Indians and proudly shared the many projects they completed during this unit.

The children’s excitement, confidence, and pride in their work was a joy for all of us to experience.  Being able to share this occasion with so many families and friends was a special treat.  Today epitomizes Foote’s belief that all children are teachers, and all of us are life long learners. We are delighted that you were able to share this special day with us.

Today we had the opportunity to visit the lower school Discovery Room to look at microscopic pond life with Mr. Cunningham, one of the middle school science teachers. It was great fun to look through the higher powered microscopes, and we were able to see a variety of living creatures. Be sure to ask your child what the “secret password” to leave the science room was.

Reminder that this Friday, April 26th is our Native American Open House

The children should arrive at 8:00 to make last minute preparations.  We will gather in the parking lot circle at 8:30 to greet our guests with a group poem. This will be followed by a tour of the classroom. Your child is eager to share with you the many exciting things they have learned and made over the last few months.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please remember to check your child’s orange home/school folder for information about our bird walk. There will also be a notice within the next day or two about the upcoming MAG trip to the Hartford Science Center.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call or send me an email.