Hopefully you saw the photos from our follow-up microbiology lab. The children were utterly amazed! First we compared our predictions of our own bacterial collections to the results. Next, we went on a gallery walk to view the other results. Finally, we used our predictions and viewed the results of what we individually ranked as 1-3 and 24-26 to compare the expectancies with outcomes. Their excitement was so visible! Finally, we had a summation to the learning from Jordan's parents that connected to many areas of learning from the year. Your children are so very lucky to have such amazing experiences from so many guest teacher families!  If you ever wanted a chance to reinforce hand washing at home - this is it! :)
??? What had the most bacteria? the least?
??? What did you expect to have the most bacteria? What was the actual result?
??? What did you expect to have the least bacteria? What was the actual result?
??? What was the biggest surprise?

Our new Friend of the Day routine is progressing so well. Many math and literacy skills and strategies are reviewed during this time to start every morning.
??? What do you do for the Friend of the Day now?

Today we had Epic Math which is soooo popular! Their success this time was incredible!
??? What did you do for Epic Math today?

For mapping, your child applied what we learned yesterday about legends and needs to create an island with a legend and compass. The activity incorporates all areas of STEAM. They were all quite impressive. I would be happy to visit any of them! ;)
??? How did you design your island?
??? What did you name it?
??? How does it involve science (clue: volcanoes), technology, engineering, art, and math?
(To be fair, the technology and math parts start tomorrow. We will be creating scales, measuring distances, calculating the area/perimeter, and then using our iPad for the technology part. :) )

In literacy, we are focusing on cause and effect in discussions. If you see any unusual things happen in the next few days, a few great questions to enrich your child's learning would be . . .
??? What caused that to happen?
??? What are some other possible causes?
??? How would the effect (or result) change if ________ happened instead?
??? What would have been a better choice in the first place to avoid ______ happening?

FYI - Second grade is learning about dinosaurs and fossils right now.  The second graders in our room are going to the "at school field trip" tomorrow morning. It is a fossil experience from the Discovery Science Center. It was finalized 2 days ago, and I was just given our time. They will be going to the media center straight from the flag ceremony. It will be fun to hear about what connections they make to our learning back in August. We need to thank the PTA for paying for one field trip and experience per grade level each year. If you paid for PTA membership this year, then we THANK YOU! :)