With only a few weeks left of the year, Project Arrow students are busy exploring new, and sometimes distant lands! How exciting it is for me to accompany them on their journey, as each and every day I also learn new things. Here's an overview of late autumn/early winter in Room 209...
In second grade, we are just beginning a study of Ancient China. Examining maps, identifying oceans, mountains, rivers and major cities, has been a fun way to start. This week we discovered a connection between a settlement and it's geography....discussing the advantages of living by a major waterway, such as the Mississippi River, the Atlantic Ocean, or perhaps the Yangzi. Next week we will focus our attention on two systems, farming and irrigation, especially as it relates to early civilizations. As we learn about those who lived before us, we also begin to learn more about ourselves. Don't forget to ask for occasional updates on Ancient China!!
Ancient Egypt is still the focus of our attention in third grade. Defining a system as a group of interacting elements that form a complete whole, and examing examples of several systems, we are now looking more closely at the Egyptian writing system, and discussing the Rosetta Stone. It has been fun learning about different types of documents that have helped record history and piece together the past. What a great unit!
Fourth graders have been exploring the Blue Planet, a universe full of wonder and mystery. After reading about the oceans of the world, they are now beginning to focus on whales. Next week they will each select one specific type of whale to research. They will soon become our "Resident Expert" and teach the class what they know. Together, we will create a class Power Point slide presentation on whales, and later, after winter break, they will have an opportunity to orally present their research. Many expressed an interest in someday visiting the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago with their families, to see the belugas in person. It is a sight to see!!
Last, but not least, the fifth graders are continuing their study of the Ancient Maya. It has been thrilling to uncover so many of this civilization's contributions, especially in the areas of math and astronomy. The last two weeks they have been busy working with a partner, researching a topic of choice and interest, and they are now planning their presentations. It will be fascinating to share information and learn from one another. My expectation is that they present their topics in class before winter break.Although the work will be completed in class, I am encouraging them to practice their presentation speech at home. Thank you for being their audience...just think of how much you will learn :)
I will be in touch one last time before the holiday. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend!
"We are all traveling through time. Let us make the future a place we'd want to visit." Stephen Hawking
