Testing for Calcite

This week, our student scientists conducted a Calcite test on 4 different rocks: Basalt, Limestone, Marble and Sandstone.  We learned that calcite is the only mineral that has a reaction to a cold acid, like vinegar. Students tested the calcite in vinegar and observed that the calcite was covered with tiny bubbles and that these bubbles rapidly rose to the surface of the vial.

They then placed each of the sample rocks in vinegar and looked for similar reactions, noting what they observed in their science notebooks.

The students thought that limestone and marble had calcite but weren't sure about sandstone (mixed results.) We are conducting a second test on the samples.  Students set up evaporation trays and will look for evidence of calcite crystals next week.

In our math workshop, students have been learning more about perimeter, area and now the polyomino family.  We created tetrominoes (a geometric figure that is composed of 4 squares.)  If you have ever played the game Tetris, these are the shapes we made!

Students will use these shapes to tile grids and explore more about area.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we will be having a party in the Lily Pad.  A note was sent home a few weeks ago detailing the party and including a class list of student names.  As the note stated, we brainstormed a list of healthier food options for our party.  We listed several red, white, pink or purple foods we could use in our celebration.  If you can send something in for our party, we would appreciate it.

Finally, I want to leave you with a glimpse into our independent reading time.  As I am meeting with reading groups, students are expected to independently read books, either preparing for their own group meeting or reading books that are at their "just right level" (aka instructional reading level.) It is a beautiful sight to see students engaged in reading text!