Reduce-Reuse-Recycle Homework Project

Last week the students were tasked with creating something, anything, out of garbage. We have been discussing the powerful effect of water and how it can carry any piece of rubbish to the sea resulting in a dirty water supply for others. They came up with some fantastic projects and ideas. Check them out below.

Water Cycle Rap

The students have been studying the water cycle this week and many have found it quite challenging. The process is rather easy to understand but the vocabulary is very complicated. It is not as important that the students know the exact terminology, but they do need a good understanding of how water moves throughout the Earth and why.

Here is a rap to help them gain knowledge about the water cycle.

Field Trip: Glass Bottom Boat

Last week Grade 3 just finished our PYP Sharing the Planet: Water Unit and we capped it off with a field trip to The Slipway to ride on the Glass Bottom Boat. With all of the rain we have been having I crossed my fingers while we headed out on the buses to catch low tide. Everything was perfect when we got there. The water was low, the life-jackets were tight, our eyes were ready and the fish were abundant.
We went with the idea to not only observe the wildlife in the sea but also how much pollution is in the water right off of the peninsula. I am happy to report that we actually did not see too much of it. When we returned to the doc there was a little trash circle of plastic hanging out on the surface of the water, but it wasn't too bad.
All in all, it was a great trip. As one of the students enthusiastically exclaimed, "Ms. Rorey, that was way better than I expected."

 

Team Work for Conservation

The final project for our PYP Sharing the Planet: Water Unit required students to come up with a project of their choice to demonstrate their understanding of water conservation. Many students chose to work with partners or a group to show their learning. We had a few picture books, a some poster projects, a few games, two plays and some Powerpoint presentations. Overall, the projects turned out splendidly and splashingly.

What I was most impressed with was the amount of cooperation and teamwork it took to put these projects together. Even if a student worked alone on a project, they received help from teams that were already finished. There were kind words, pleases and thank yous, smiles, negotiating and compromising. These kids really have learned so many skills this year. Here are some photos to demonstrate the collaboration that occurred to pull these projects off. Wonderful 3R!

 

Student Action: Water Conservation

Saniya entered the classroom yesterday with a huge smile on her face and a flash drive in her hand. "I've created a presentation about water conservation," she stated. Little did I know what a presentation it was. She did a phenomenal job and surprised me when she said she completed it herself. I know who to go to next time I have to give a presentation. Check it out. Who knows, you might learn a thing or two and be encouraged to go save the world!

Water + conservation powerpoint from Rorey Risdon

 

New PYP Water Unit Word: calving

In class this week we read about glaciers. The word calving was in the passage and we didn't know it. Luckily, the definition was right in the passage and we were able to figure it out. The kids were so interested in glaciers, that I searched on google for some images and videos. The kids eyes grew wide as I showed them the info on the smartboard. I love it when I learn right along with the kids.

Enjoy this video!

Adding Solids to Liquids

I found this experiment online where students add vinegar to different solids. I remember doing this as a child and finding it fascinating. Actually I used to enjoy anything involving mixing, combining and observing. I have fond memories of my sister and I using various bathroom products to make concoctions in our sink, similar to George in Georges's Magic Medicine, although we never fed it to our grandmother.

We did this experiment on Monday and I will have pictures to follow, but if you want to do this with your class, feel free to use the experiment template I created to go with it.

 

Water Experiments: Matter on the Move

Yesterday the class did an experiment called Matter on the Move from Inquiry in Action. They were excited to see what happens when food coloring is placed in different temperatures of water. They observed what was happening and wrote down what they saw. The students then made a hypothesis about what they thought was happening within the water. Some of the key words they used included heat, temperature, energy, and molecules. Check out the photos. Can you guess which cup shows the reaction of the food coloring with the hot water versus the cold water?