Timelines of Life

Inquiry
This week we mapped out what the children think they know about prehistoric times and the timeline of life beginning with the the creation of the universe. Here are some gems from your delightful children:

• "Earth formed 3 billion years ago."
• "It (Earth) formed from dust floating in outer space."
• "Earth is a rock like a giant asteroid."
• "The earth has layers and in the middle is lava. When it comes out it makes volcanoes."
• "About 600 years ago, there were only invertebrates. Invertebrates are animals with no backbones, but some have exoskeletons."
• "Trilobites (a kind of invertebrate) appeared about 500 million years ago."
• "Dinosaurs appeared 250 million years ago."
• "Dinosaurs are reptiles, and they make nests out of rocks."
  
• "They (dinosaurs) died 64 million years ago."
• "Dinosaurs died because a meteor hit the earth and did a lot of damage."
• "The meteor made dust, volcanoes, and earthquakes. The plants died, and there was no more food for the dinosaurs."
• "Some dinosaurs are meat-eaters, and some are plant-eaters."
• "Microraptors evolved into birds. They had four wings and feathers."
  
• "One sea dinosaur is still alive."
• "Apes evolved into people.The first people were cavemen."
• "Cavemen came after dinosaurs."

I'd say your children already have a lot of knowledge to bring to this unit of Inquiry study!  Wow!!

Creation Stories
The children decided that each of the four brainstorming groups should write and publish their own creation story rather than collaborate on a class story. Well, I began reading their first drafts today, and they are very good. I am often amazed by the writing ability of these young children. 

Timelines of Life
The children are enjoying sharing and learning about each other from the Timelines of Life.  I see lots of parent involvement in them. Thank you for your support! 
 
Cambodian Dancers
The children delighted in the cultural exchange with Cambodia. They came back to class after watching the dancers' intricate movements and tried to mimic them.  They quickly discovered how difficult it is to bend hands and feet into those lovely positions.

Math
Ms. Field has asked that 2nd Grade parents look at her blog to read the children's interesting "Magic Pot" story problems.  Enjoy!

This group of children is an absolute delight to teach.  Thank you for sharing them with me!  Look for new photos in the gallery to see for yourself what we have been up to.



 

Posted on September 12, 2008 11:53 AM | Permalink