A World of Potential

The students have been fascinated by the gorgeous fall trees outside our classroom windows.   Last week, we just had to do some leaf catching as we came in from recess.  Have you ever tried to catch drifting leaves on a windy day?  Thrilling!  The students made some great connections to the wind exhibit we visited at the Museum of Life and Science that explained how the shape of seed pods influences how well plants can reproduce.  

Based on those experiences, the class wanted to find out, “What kind of trees do we have on our campus?”  So, we collected samples in different areas, accumulated the data and used field guides to discover what kinds of trees we have on our campus.  We have different kinds of oak, pine, magnolia, crate myrtle and even a catalpa tree.  

We had a visit from the local fire department.  We got to see the fire truck and all the cool equipment that firemen need to be safe and ready to fight fires.  They asked sweet questions like, “Do firemen really slide down poles?”  (They don’t anymore by the way- what a bummer!)  One of the firemen was saying, “Nothing on earth is fireproof.”  Immediately, several students said, “What about water?  Water is fireproof.”  You can’t get much past second graders!!   

Today we had our first field trip.  We went to the Museum of Life and Science.  It was great!  We visited the wind stations, the animal exhibits, the butterfly house and the insectorium.  It was so encouraging to see that the students have learned a lot about slowing down to observe and notice nature.  Another cool thing about our visit was the “Sound Space.”  The Sound Space uses motion sensors to create sound with motion in a room split into quadrants.  Each quadrant has its own specific sounds.  As you move, the volume or tempo increase or decrease.  It was very thought provoking (as well as artistic and kinesthetic!), and the best part is that our music and dance teachers are re-creating a Sound Space at Forest View!  Students: What did you like most about the trip?  If you want to share your favorite part, try to make a comment!  

We are lucky to have a beautiful butterfly bush right outside our back window.  We noticed that it was teeming with monarchs and other species of butterflies this week, so we grabbed the chance to observe them up close.  It was amazing!!