Our final investigation in the rocks and minerals unit was for students to identify the minerals that make up granite. They were given a sample of red granite along with several minerals: calcite, hornblende, quartz, feldspar, and mica. After observations, tests and discussions, the students determined that the only mineral from their collection not in the granite sample was calcite.
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| Mica has a cool property |
Rock Museum
Our much anticipated, culminating activity for our rocks and minerals study was a rock (and mineral) museum. Students selected some of their favorites from their collections, recorded information about their rock or mineral (observations, type - if known, where the rock or mineral was found, etc.) and then they displayed their collection for classmates to enjoy and observe. We had an amazing variety of rocks and minerals and it was fun to explore these collections.
Welcome to Miss Beckwith
Hi! My name is Danielle Beckwith. I am in the school of Education at UW. I am in my third semester of the program which focuses on math and art. I will be helping out/teaching in the classroom until April 27th. I am also a member of the UW-Women's Swim Team and am just finishing up my last season! I am from Middleton, WI so I am very familiar with the Madison area and school system. I am having a lot of fun getting to know all your children and I can't wait to see how much they grow and learn over the semester!
Welcome to Miss Sprangers
My name is Sarah Sprangers and I am currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I am studying Elementary Education. I have dreamed of becoming a teacher since I was a young girl, and am excited to further develop my knowledge and practice this semester at Marquette. Although I go to school in Madison, I am originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin – a medium-sized city known for our overalls and airplanes. During my free time, I like to be outside as much as possible! I love playing and coaching sports, especially soccer, gymnastics, and tennis. I also enjoy traveling, and spent part ofSummer 2011 exploring the Dominican Republic. I look forward to working with all members of the Lily Pad this semester - I know our time together will be a mutually rewarding learning experience!
Hat Day
Fiction Unit - What is Plot?
Student authors are making progress on developing their fiction stories. Characters have been developed and students have identified what their character's wants or desires will be in their story and the struggles/obstacles that will get in the character's way. I have been impressed with the hard work and thinking that the students are doing. The stories have already come a long way and we are still in the planning and initial drafting stage! I am hearing students evaluate their ideas and revise them saying things like, "My story idea is too large to manage" or "I don't have enough tension in my story" or "Is my character too good to be true?" Students have examined some mentor short story texts to pick out the elements of fiction asking themselves, "How do these stories usually go?" Students identified the following plot elements: the exposition, the rising action, the climax, the falling action and the resolution. Students will use this knowledge to help them create a well written fiction piece. I can't wait to read these masterpieces when they are finished.
Landmark Research Projects
We began a research project in the Lily pad this week. Students were assigned a National Landmark or Monument and conducted online research. Students will used the facts they are acquired and make a Powerpoint presentation. The Powerpoint will include facts, photos and maps.
Other Happenings in the Lily Pad
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| Chess Club |
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| Four square unit shapes |
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| Tiling with tetronimoes |
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| Reading with Ms. Beckwith |
Upcoming Events
- Please make sure you send in your Overture Center permission slip by Monday, March 5. The third grade will be heading to the Overture Center to see Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters on Wednesday, April 11.
- Dream Camp Group B meets this week.
- After School clubs began on Thursday, March 1 and continue through the end of the month.
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