Unraveling Innovation!

Social studies in grade 4 is about diving into the people and ideas shaping our world. One fascinating figure we recently studied is Jan Ernst Matzeliger, an inventor who transformed the shoe industry during the Industrial Revolution. Born in 1852 in Suriname, then a Dutch colony, Jan Ernst Matzeliger was the son of a Dutch engineer and a local Black woman. His mixed-race heritage and upbringing in a modest household shaped his resourcefulness and determination. After moving to the U.S.A., he created the lasting machine, a groundbreaking invention that revolutionized how shoes were made. Before his invention, making shoes was a slow, manual process, with skilled workers taking hours to craft a single pair. Matzeliger’s machine dramatically cut production time, making shoes more affordable. Learning about Matzeliger helps us understand the bigger picture of the Industrial Revolution when new inventions changed how goods were made, transported, and sold. After learning about this remarkable innovator, we crafted a timeline of his life, practicing our chronological skills.

新 年 快 乐 – Happy New Year!

In one of our many celebrations centered around Chinese New Year, our 4th and 5th grade students rolled up their sleeves to make over 600 vegetable dumplings for the entire school to enjoy at lunch. As part of the celebration, our students shared insights into Chinese New Year traditions and the significance of the dishes we were about to enjoy.

Our talented chefs also prepared an array of delicious dishes to complement the dumplings, including house-made scallion oil, a soy-rice vinegar dipping sauce, and a flavorful vegetable lo mein with bok choy, peppers, onions, and carrots. We also enjoyed yummy miso soup and a vibrant Chinese chicken salad, served on a bed of fresh spinach with mandarin oranges, edamame beans, scallions, broccoli, crunchy chow mein noodles, and zesty mandarin ginger dressing for the salad bar. Oranges were served for dessert, symbolizing good luck and happiness in the new year.

It was a festive and flavorful way to ring in the Lunar New Year, celebrating both food and tradition with our entire school community. Here’s to a year filled with good fortune and joy!

Ain’t Nothin Like The Real Thing!

Technology, books, film, podcasts, video, documentaries, blookets, websites…..

These are all ways that we consume information. But how much do we actually remember? Are we in information overload, where the abundance of outlets actually stifles our comprehension and learning?  

The 4th grade is immersed in a unit about the structures and functions of plants and animals. Might sound a bit tedious, uninteresting and dull to students, so enter live animals, plant specimens and taxidermy mounts stage right. The ability to see a creature up close and personal brings a sense of stewardship and understanding that are not as apparent with visual media. Students spent time observing specimens for structural clues to help figure out how they help the animal or plant get what they need to survive in their ecosystem.

Our live visitor was an adult screech owl named Cedar. He injured his eye many years ago and subsequently must live the remainder of his life in captivity.  Students learned that owls use a variety of tools to allow them to live in the wild. Eyesight is key to effective hunting in the wild. Another adaptation or function is their ear placement (one high on the disc face and one low). This ear placement allows owls the ability to hear sounds up high and down low. In addition many species of owl have feathers that have fringe or space between the edges, that enable silent flight. Helping the owl to sneak up on their prey in the dark!

We were lucky to have our friend Cedar visit the 4th grade science class. Cedar is just one of the many fascinating creatures that inhabit our big blue marble—Earth.

Lower School Visits SHU!

All of Lower School thoroughly enjoyed the performance of “The Elves and The Shoemaker” at the Sacred Heart University Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts. Everyone learned about the importance of “how” and sang along to many holiday songs, including the Unquowa Winterfest favorite, the Twelve Days of Christmas. We even did the Hokey Pokey, now that’s what it’s all about. A huge thank you to Patty Carver, our Performing Arts Department Chair, for this special field experience!

Gǎn ēn jié kuài lè! – Happy Thanksgiving!

In our 4th grade Mandarin class, we learned about Thanksgiving, a special holiday celebrated in the United States. Although Thanksgiving is not observed in Asia, there are similar holidays that focus on family and delicious food. For example, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest and brings families together to enjoy mooncakes and other treats. Chinese New Year is another festive occasion where families gather to share meals and honor their ancestors. During our class, we explored the names of traditional Thanksgiving foods, like turkey and pumpkin pie, and even created a fun coloring sheet to celebrate the spirit of togetherness. We all wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! – Gǎn ēn jié kuài lè!

Unquowa Election Day – “Green Menu” or the “White Menu”?

The entire Unquowa community participated in our own election on Election Day in order to decide on a very important issue… LUNCH!