The seconds have done planet experiments. They have explored the great red spot of Jupiter with tea and how an atmosphere blocks our view with wax paper. They have seen how a bright light blocks our view. It is fun to do these after they have researched as then those who have learned about the planets have an ah-ha.

The second group of reports went really well. Everyone - well, almost - entered quietly and was respectful. Before lunch, we talked about what would be in the room when they entered. Then we practiced walking into the room and sitting. My little person who is often attached to my hand, was sitting next to me and raised his hand to walk across the room. Everyone hold your breath and let's see if ------can make it across. He held his breadth too, but walked carefully back and forth. The room broke into spontaneous applause in celebration of his control. He smiled a broad smile.

The Time Line of Life lesson was given. I broke them up 1st for one group and 2nd, 3rd for the second. Although both lessons were fine, I think this was a mistake. The second and thirds have so much information to share. It is also important for the firsts to hear what the others have learned. Oh well, they will all hear follow up lessons on the Five Kingdoms tomorrow. I am suggesting that groups take a period of the Time Line using the research cards I have developed and books. They take a large piece of paper, draw the animals free hand, write a short bit about their animal and then write a report on their period that includes geological changes that may have caused changes in animals or plants. They may also research generally five kingdoms or take one kingdom and research it in depth. Then next week I will turn to the vertebrates with fish and they can also research fish. I generally have them take a biome or group of fish rather than just one. So a group may do fish of the corral reef or sharks or deep water fish or fish without jaws. This gives them lots of choices or they may have ideas of their own.

We watched a video of plate tectonics and then a new one on the universe. They loved the plate tectonic one. It takes place in Alaska after a great earthquake. A scientist researches why the water level fell by looking at where barnacles are. Then he comes up with plates falling and rising. After all their research the students went, of course! What else would it be???

One planet report to finish....

Barbara

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