Nutrition

This week in nutrition children learned about the most important meal of the day which is breakfast. The children had the opportunity to come up with breakfast foods, and a physical activity that begins with the following letters B.R.E.A.K.F.A.S.T. Some examples that the children came up which were: basketball, bacon, baseball, bread. Then acted out how they would do the physical activity.

The following day the children had the opportunity to build their own breakfast with food models. They shared with the class why did they choose the following foods to make it a healthy breakfast.

Science

This week in science a guest speaker from the Cochise County Cooperative Extensions Water Wise Program came and taught a lesson on wells. It dealt with the water table, which is basically the level that water is at underground. It also demonstrated ways you can be wise when placing a well. Looking out for possible pollutants in their surroundings, they could ask about them. For example, a closed down gas station may be leaking gasoline into the soil, so they would ask if tanks were leaking, or why it closed down. The kids also learned that an area separated by a confining layer is the best place to have a well.

Gardening

In Gardening this week we reviewed the previous concepts that the students learned. We used the game jeopardy to see what information the students retained and how well they were able to comprehend the lesson. By using the game we were able to evaluate our own teaching skills and determine if our methods have had a significant effect. The students reviewed the water cycle, states of matter, newton’s laws, photosynthesis, parts of the plant, and what plants need to survive. This allowed the students to have fun while we evaluated our own teaching skills. The next day of the week the children participated in a scavenger hunt that incorporated all of the previous concepts that were explored in the jeopardy game.

Science Week 5

This week in science we did another activity involving the states of matter and at the same time introduced another concept. We taught the children about pressure, creation of a gas, and Newton’s -Third Law of Motion with two different activities. In one activity, we used Alka-Seltzer and water to create a gas. This gas was used to propel a film canister upward by building pressure inside the closed canister. As the pressure escapes out of the top of the canister, the bottom part is forced upward. This allows the children to conceptualize Newton’s Third Law of Motion.  The second experiment we did also showed the creation of a gas and the buildup of pressure. The second experiment for the week was the Mentos fountain experiment. Essentially, we take different types of liquid (e.g. soda, water, juice, lemonade, etc.) and combine them with Mentos to see if a reaction occurs. In the process we observe the buildup of pressure and explosion from certain carbonated liquids. This creates a fountain— hence the name. The children learn in the process that not all liquids react the same way and that chemical reactions can happen at different intensities.

Robotics Week 5

This week in robotics we did a build unlike the rest. The project we tasked the children to build was the Smart Spinner. This spinning top was the first of any builds to be able to move freely. This top detached from the base and spun on its own. The children truly enjoyed the top was able to move about the room in a less controlled way. It was different and new and was something they had yet to experience. 

Reading Week 5

This week in reading, the children were tasked with creating a timeline. The timeline was based on the Secret Garden book that they have been reading. This gave them an opportunity to recall the previous events of the book. This also allowed them to clear up any confusion they had thus far about the events that took place. It was necessary to get them to see the events rather than just hear about them. Not all children learn the same, so for them to illustrate and conceptualize the book allowed them to get a deeper understanding of the book. The chronological ordering also put in perspective when and how the events were related and how they fit in the time frame of the book. 

Physical Education Week 5

In physical activity this week the game we chose to play was noodle ball. This game has incorporated a team dynamic. Team sports are very important to show children the value of teamwork. Throughout their lives they will need to learn to work well with others and collaborate to achieve a common goal.  This game allows them to work with other children and mentors and to establish their social skills and learn to work well with others.

Another important lesson learned from this week was patience. Like anything in life, it is sometimes necessary to wait. This game was designed to have children learn to take turns and be fair. It showed them that they need to have patience when waiting for their turn and they should allow for everyone to get an opportunity to participate.