The Night Sky!
- Laura Dean
- Feb 3, 2017
- 3 min read
Good Evening CFI Families!
This week we jumped headfirst into our exploration of the night sky. From morning sign ins centered around predictions about comparing planets and the moon, to nonfiction books, songs, and videos of the planets, we are excited about all things in the night sky. The excitement has inspired many to write about the planets during writing workshop time and read books on this topic during reading workshop. We have many questions we are exploring at the moment so we are soaking up all we can find. As we explore more we will narrow these questions into topics we can delve into in greater detail. As you will see today in your child’s folder we are starting to focus primarily on the moon and practicing observing and documenting what we see. The moon log that I created was based on what the kids said they would need to be able to observe the moon. We talked about how it was easy with insects to bring them in and look at them in their natural environment, but it is not so easy with the moon. All the objects in the night sky are so far away that we have to plan as astronomers how to learn more from here on earth. Though a few suggested we go up to the moon or build a rocket, we are settling for using our eyes and telescopes for now. We will also use a variety of sources and go on a field trip (You will be provided with more details soon as it is in the works now with Mrs. Klosterman’s class) to help us better understand these topics. Please look for my email about information on using and returning our moon logs.
Next week is our gathering and the kids have already decided to share about things in the night sky. We will also be sharing many questions we are still wondering as this investigation is new. It will be next Friday the 10th at 2:20 and we would love to have you there if you can make it!
In math we celebrated the 100th day with measurement experiments and are still working on our what do you notice about the number puzzle. In groups we predicted and then tested whether 100 paperclips or 100 pennies weighed more, whether a chain of 100 band-aids or confetti circles would be longer, or whether 100 crayons or post-its would be longer. Here are the results! 100 pennies weighs more, 100 crayons are longer, and 100 band-aids make a longer chain. It was a fun exploration and allowed us to practice ways we measure and counting!
We also had Mrs. Waugh our reading coach come and share with us about the Chinese New Year. She has returned this year to CFI after many years abroad including teaching in China and wanted to share about this special celebration. The kids were very excited about some of the artifacts she brought to share with them, especially the Chinese dragon marionette puppet.
Please if you have not signed up for a student led conference time here is the link.
The times remaining are primarily on Friday, but if neither of those days work for you please email me so we can plan a time. These are a great way to celebrate the kids and their accomplishments and growth so far this year.
Here are some upcoming dates:
February 10th: Our Gathering at 2:20
February 16th: Student Led Conferences 3:30-7:40
February 17th: Half Day
February 17th: Student Led Conferences 12:00-4:00
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