Fabulous Fossils!
Rock Cycle and FossilsThis week our inquiry has focused on the rock cycle and fossils. The students have been learning about the different types of rocks and how they are made. Igneous rocks form when lava is cooled, sedimentary rocks are created when various layers of sediments (sand, clay, seashells, dirt) are pressed together over time to make a solid rock, and metamorphic rocks form when heat and pressure change igneous and sedimentary rocks.
Today we had a special learning visit from the Marutani family. JM's parents taught us all about fossils! The children even got to make their own fossil using clay, seashells, and plaster of Paris to turn the imprint of a shell into the cast and mold of their seashell.
The students have been closely examining the progress of life through the ages using a Time Line of Life that moves from the Paleozoic Era to present day. At first, we used the model Time Line listing the names of the time periods covered and the major climate factors and species of the corresponding period. Once the students spent time working with the pre-labeled and illustrated time line, they began using a blank time line to place the names of the periods and illustrations of species. As the students worked collaboratively in small groups to solve the time-line puzzle, they engaged in discussions about the order, progress, and change in life over time.
Middle-School Puppet Show
Yesterday the preschool-through-grade-2 students were treated to a puppet show put on by some of the 8th-grade MPI drama students. We gathered in the dining room to watch a collection of short sock-puppet shows. The 8th graders wrote the scripts, made the puppets, and presented their show. Just one more opportunity for our elementary students to look forward to being a part of when they are in middle school!
Thank You
Thank you to the Marutani family for teaching us about fossils and helping us make our very own fossils! We love learning from our Room 11 parents!
Reminders
- Friday, October 10 - No School for students; Professional In-Service day for MPI teachers.
- Monday, October 13 - No School in observance of Discoverers' Day.
Posted on October 3, 2008 9:22 AM | Permalink