Earth Science Investigations
Posted by Mary Faulkner
The past month in fifth grade science has involved several hands on activities to further the understanding of many different natural occurrences that change the landscape. Two that the students enjoyed thoroughly, were a soil investigation and river investigation.
The soil investigation involved first collecting soil samples and separating any inorganic and organic materials from the soil itself. Long discussions where had about what these two words even meant, but through the investigation the definition of these terms became clear. Second, students poured the soil onto the picnic tables outside into small mounds to represent mountains. Then they used pipettes to slowing add water to the mound. Many interesting things were observed then shouts of, “Look! It’s a flash flood” and “My mountain is collapsing just like a landslide!”
Next, after observing the features of the Horse Tavern Brook and what might be the causes of the brook eroding, students were challenged to make models of their own rivers. The only requirement was to design a river with the river they observed in mind and to be mindful of the banks and riverbed. After the rivers where complete, students were then able to pour water down the river to see how the design would stand up to the force of the water at three increasing inclines. The entire process was documented on video to give students the ability to make thorough observations of this process.
The Art of Our Early Ancestors
Posted by Krissy Ponden
It’s hard to imagine, but thousands of years ago man had the same inexplicable desire to create that artists do today. Prehistoric art is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our early ancestors, who painted with surprising detail and artistic talent. The oldest known murals and carvings are found in the Lascaux caves in France and date back to 17,000 years ago.
The fifth graders learned about Lascaux and viewed some of the rare and inaccessible images inside the cave. We then worked on a project replicating the painting (pictographs) and carving (petroglyphs) techniques. The students etched images telling a story of their imagined ancestors including where they lived, what they ate, and how they dressed. We learned about simple ways to express forms and shapes. Students then carved a rubber stamp and printed a repeating symbol around the outside of their “rock wall,” which was dirtied up with chalk to give the impression of age.
Putting the Garden to Bed
Posted by Mary Faulkner
As one season ends and another begins, we notice that nature, in her own way, prepares herself. Leaves fall from trees, animals prepare for long cold winters by storing food and preparing dens, and we humans too, do many things as well to prepare. For people with gardens, one of those tasks is putting the garden to bed. PEL fellows Abby, Sarah and Michael led our fifth graders in that same task here at Unquowa. First, the fellows led students in a brainstorming discussion on why it is necessary to put a garden to bed. The students discussed the difference between annuals and perennials, why it is important to pull some plants and leave others and the importance of putting trellises and stakes away for use the following spring. Students were then led outside where they were put into assigned groups to complete different tasks. From clearing out beds, gathering the last of the harvest of vegetables and herbs for the kitchen, spreading compost for fall planting and gathering seeds for investigations and spring plantings, there were no idle hands. The students where excited and worked with enthusiasm, knowing all their hard work would lead to another great harvest next season! Thanks our PEL fellows and the fifth grade students for a job well done!
After School Guitar!
Posted by David Coe
The brand new instrumental music room is the place to be on Friday afternoon!
There’s an amazing group of 4th,5th and 6th graders attending the after school guitar program. We are learning note reading, chords, rhythms and all the aspects of solo and group performance. The students are having lots of fun playing and singing “This Land Is Your Land,” “Ode To Joy” and many other great songs!
Starting the Day with Music
Posted by Megan KirkThe Junior Chorus is a wonderful group of 3rd-5th grade students who come Wednesday mornings to further their vocal experience here at Unquowa. We learn about singing as a choral group, stage presence, techniques and most of all we have a fun time! Music is a perfect way to start your day!
Here is a clip from our first performance at Assembly:
I Can Say My Chinese Name!
Posted by Yajuan Zhang
This year is very special for fifth grade students. It is the first time students can choose and focus on one second language. It is also the first time for Upper School students to experience the full-time language program. Students have the language class four times a week with each time 45 minutes. This year, eight students chose Mandarin and they make a great class to experience the challenge and fun of learning a totally different language.
Students are curious about learning the culture differences. With an interesting discussion about the difference of the name order between China and the U.S., students are more engaged in learning the meaning of their own Chinese names and practice saying the names with a rhythm. As soon as you turn on the video, almost immediately you can tell how students are excited about saying their Chinese names and expressing it in this mini-dialogue with a lively rhythm. And of course, you always sense the fresh air blowing on your face when being part of anther culture, don’t you?
