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?
Science Collaborations
Posted by Faith Barbuto
Every Wednesday, the kindergarten and fifth grade classes come together for a collaborative science lesson. From tasting apples, to searching for signs of fall, the kids really enjoy working together! The kindergarteners were really excited to help their fifth grade buddies build rivers. After spending one class session collecting natural materials, we gathered together the following week to assemble our river models. On this unseasonably warm fall day, the air was just buzzing with ideas and excitement. Teams of kindergarten and fifth grade students collaborated to create realistic and accurately scaled river beds. Listening to them communicate and exchange ideas you could tell that all student ideas were being valued and experimented with. Some groups tried many ideas before settling on a final concept. The real test will come later when water is run through and we determine how much of our riverbeds were eroded but as you can see by these pictures, the creations were worthy of Andy Goldsworthy.
Learning to Investigate
Posted by Mary Faulkner
Rather than just read from a book about the parts of a scientific investigation or how to use instruments such as a thermometer accurately, the fifth grade science students have started with some hands-on learning. The first investigation explored the terms experiment, model, variable and control group. Students were given slices of fresh bread to study and asked to write thorough observations using all of their senses. Each slice was then stored for six days in either a plastic baggie or a paper bag. The students were then asked to do a second observation. Terms were introduced using the setup and parts of the observation and experiment. The next investigation involved taking accurate measures of cold, warm and room temperature water using a thermometer. We discussed the importance of making accurate measurements when performing an experiment. The students did a wonderful job and are proving themselves to be serious scientists!
Forming The Group
Posted by Michelle Lamb
The month of September held several activities causing the fifth grade group to become a cohesive unit. Beginning with student-led class agreements, the fifth grade decided what they needed in their learning environment from themselves, their peers, and their teachers in order to be successful. One of these agreements was a ribbon contract where each student decided on personal goals, represented by knots in their ribbons. They then tied their ribbons together symbolizing support in achieving their goals. Finally, both fifth grade classes have completed circles in their classrooms helping them become good listeners, recognize their gratitude, and develop individual identities in the fifth grade. This is only the beginning of a wonderful year of learning about themselves, their friends, and the world around them.
Fifth Grade Seed Savers Explore the Garden
Posted by Mary Curran
This month, fifth graders were challenged to use a map to record plants growing in the Unquowa garden. They identified over 35 varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs. Students wove their way through raised beds of heirloom lettuces, purple bumblebee tomatoes, Sugar Ann peas and yellow wax beans. In addition, many varieties of flowers and herbs are growing including nasturtiums, snapdragons, lemon thyme and chocolate mint.
Students also shelled true red cranberry beans that had been dried on the vine and harvested. This heirloom seed, known for its excellent flavor, was given to us by Chef Jess last spring. Thank you fifth grade for helping to preserve the heirloom seeds for future planting and to Chef Jess for sharing these beautiful red-purple beans from her garden!
Up, Up, and Away!
Posted by Krissy Ponden
The fifth graders started the year in visual arts on a high note…hundreds of feet in the sky to be exact! We watched this incredible timelapse video of hot air balloons at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta to inspire us with their gorgeous patterns and colors. To create our own hot air balloons, we blew up latex balloons and covered them in paper mache, a messy but thoroughly enjoyable task! Once dry, the students began painting in bright acrylic colors according to the sketches they made of their designs. Be sure to look out for these colorful creations hanging around the art room soon!
