Thursday, October 22, 2015

Biotic Index of Quincy’s Wetland and Sturgeon Learning




We completed our wetland assessment this week.  Stay tuned for the results.  This coming week we will be learning all about our Great Lakes Sturgeon in preparation for our fish’s arrival!  We’ll take a look at it’s unique physical/behavioral characteristics, and all the reasons it has become endangered.  The students will be making life sized sturgeon and labeling the characteristics, as well as life cycle. 

Pumpkin carving begins at 1:30-2:15

Costume Parade starts at 2:30-3:00pm

You may take the students home, just please make sure to check out with me.

 REMINDER:  EVERYONE COMING TO THE PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY NEEDS A BACKGROUND CHECK THROUGH OFFICE.  IF NOT THEY WILL BE TURNED AWAY.

 I can…

Use key ideas to Connect Scenes to Overall Story.

Use sensory details for setting in our personal narratives.

Evaluate physical adaptations and behavioral adaptations.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Goldfish Lab and Biotic Index of Quincy’s Wetland




This week we learned about animal adaptations and had some fun testing the breathing rates of gold fish in different water temperatures.  The kids enjoyed observing the drop in breathing rates of the gold fish and also the drop in heart rates in the daphnia as a cold blooded response adaptation. 

This coming week the kids will begin to assess the health of our wetland using Biotic Wetland Assessment for citizens developed at Michigan State University.  



REMINDER pumpkin carving arty and halloween parade notes.  We are all set with treats and supplies, however, could use a few extra smaller pumpkins as back up for kids who forget or kids that might not bring one. 

 I can…

Use key ideas to Connect Scenes to Overall Story.

Use sensory details for setting in our personal narratives.

Evaluate physical adaptations and behavioral adaptations.


Friday, October 9, 2015

Daphnia Lab and Goldfish Lab






This week we were able to catch and isolate some Daphnia from our wetland.  I was surprised at the different macroinvertebrates we caught.  The kids had a lot of fun learning about these little critters and their characteristics.
We were able to conduct a few experiments on the Daphnia.  We measured their heart rate in normal conditions and then added different variables of 5% rubbing alcohol and cold water.  The kids generated their own hypothesis of whether or not the Daphnia’s heart rate would increase or decrease.  Ask them about the “Daphnia Song”.
We will also be doing some cold blooded experiments on gold fish.  I will be looking for some good homes for these little gold fish.  Just email or call and you can pick them up.
  Pumpkin Carving Party and Halloween Parade.  See attached note to email.
 I can…
Determine the character motivations and character traits.
Write a personal narrative using a story mountain.
Distinguish between inherited and acquired traits.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Bike Trip and Macroinvertebrates






We had a great time on the bike trip Thursday!  The head wind we had on the way home really challenged the kids and adults!  All and all a big thank you to all the parent volunteers!  We couldn’t do it without you!

Our endangered species handler permit came in the mail this week from the DNR!  It’s always a neat feeling to get that.  Our Lake Sturgeon should arrive near the end of October. This week we will do some in depth experiments with the macroinvertebrate “Daphnia pulex”  Stay tuned for pics and video next week!

It’s been an action packed start of the school year with all the trips!  I always feel lucky to work in a district with such great parental support!  Thanks again parents!

 I can…

Determine the theme of a story using details from the text

Write a personal narrative using a story map

Observe and record heart rates of circulatory system in Daphina Pulex.

Generate a hypothesis of heart rate when using variables and control groups.