What would Indiana Jones say?
Posted by Colleen Noyes
The recent warm weather in Connecticut has confused some of the reptilian creatures. Normally at this time of year, cold blooded snakes are hibernating. But the sustained recent temps in the 70’s lured at least one little Garter snake out of its slumber. As Indiana Jones would say “I hate snakes”, but luckily these creatures are not that interested in us and in fact might speak highly of the human mammal (if we could speak snake). Sadly, the young snake did not survive, but 5th and 6th graders were able to examine it and discuss why the snake came out of its hibernation. Snakes are an important part of their ecosystem and contribute to the lush biodiversity that nature shares with us. We are left with questions and opportunities for learning. Thank you little snake.
Spanish Students Real-Life Topics!
Posted by Diane Nietupski
Upper School Spanish students are offered a wide range of audio and visual material, enabling them to learn about interesting real-life topics.
Using these tools students are effectively and efficiently gaining reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, in Spanish.
Fall Vignettes
Posted by Debbie Leidlein
As part of our Halloween celebration this year the 6th grade spent time outside mindfully observing Fall. Students collected objects found on our school grounds and used those objects to build a Fall vignette collaboratively. We took pictures to commemorate the occasion.
Wàn Shèng Jié Kuài Lè… They Are Ready…..
Posted by Carina Blackwell
Staying Strong with Cross Country!
Posted by Sarah Pollex
Our athletes know that best times are the ultimate prize. They are making significant improvements towards this goal at each practice and at each meet. The crowning achievement is for a runner to place in the top 5. Our results from the meets at Ridgefield and Waveny Park:
Ridgefield
- 5th grade boys: Jackson 1st, Adam 4th,
- 6th grade boys: Asher 5th
- 8th grade girls: Charlotte 4th, Eloise 5th ,
Waveny Park
- 5th grade boys: Jackson 4th
- 6th grade boys: Asher 2nd
- 7th grade girls: Chipili 4th, Piper 5th
- 7th grade boys: James 3rd
- 8th grade boys: James 2nd
Congratulations to these individuals for placing in the top 5 and to the entire team for achieving personal best times!
Flipping Water Prompts Student Reports!
Posted by Colleen Noyes
Recently, in 6th grade science, we have been studying ocean currents. After talking about how water circulates around the world, we started learning about water densities. Warm water molecules are more spread apart making them less dense and causing them to rise. Cool water is more dense, causing it to sink. After we finished our studying, we grabbed our flasks and gloves and began an experiment. We added warm water to one flask and cold water to the other and added food coloring to separate the two. We placed a piece of cardboard on top of the warm water flask and then, carefully, flipped it onto the cold water flask. We then quickly removed the cardboard and you could see the warm water sitting on top of the cold water! Just like we predicted! We had so much fun doing this experiment. Who knew water could separate from itself?!
Written by 6th grade student: Sierra
Our class has started a unit on ocean currents! To explore convection in the ocean, we tried an experiment. To start, Ms. Noyes poured hot water into a beaker, and cold water into another. Blue food dye went into the cold water, while yellow went into the hot water. Then, using a piece of cardboard on top of the yellow beaker, we flipped them onto each other, with the warm water on top. Because of convection, the colors didn’t mix and instead stayed the way they were, with yellow on top and blue on bottom. Hot air/water is less dense and lighter than cold air/water, so the hot water(or in this case yellow water!) will always rise.
Written by 6th grade student: Oola
