The annual Art Show that took place last week kicked off with an opening reception on Thursday night and continued Friday and Saturday. We found the experience mind-bending and inspiring with the interactive pieces and art focused on the theme, “Perspective(s).” As a class we visited the Depot and Art Studio spaces together and were amazed by the work represented from all the students at TBS, ECC through eighth grade. Thank you to our resident artists and teachers, Julianne, Emily, and Benecia, for all of their hard work and expertise!
We discussed and explored features of non-fiction books, and shared tips for how to use the Table of Contents, Glossary, and Index to help locate information. Then we walked down to the Berkeley West Branch Library to check out book on local plants and animals. These books will stay in the classroom while we conduct research and go home in time to be returned by their due date, which is April 11. Students who received new library cards brought those home last week.
Each Temescalian chose one topic to focus on but we are already learning from each other as we research. With Rebecca’s help we have been learning how to highlight, take notes, and write up our findings in our own words. We have a great organizational system for our research with a file folder and pockets for sorting notes on index cards. Lisa read us The Pirates of Plagarism so students are well acquainted with the term and how to avoid it.
In science we continued to investigate water and conducted an experiment with partners to find out how much water a sponge can soak up. The findings were surprising! Other experiments and demonstrations with water included exploring density and surface tension. Temescal scientists were posed the question: Why does a water strider not sink? We continue to discuss and investigate the answers together.
In math we wrapped up Nine Lines multiplication and began solving facts 2-9 all mixed up. Keep up the practice at home . . . we also continued the Henry’s Garden project with Paula the math coach which culminates all of our learning about multiplication, area, and perimeter. The project has also stretched us in our ability to stay organized and communicate constructively with a partner.
Parents of a Temescalian came in to help us celebrate Persian New Year. They shared background on the holiday and traditional symbols and foods with us. Thank you and happy new year!
As a part of Cultural Studies, we started learning how to make our own coil baskets just like the local Ohlone people did! This gave us a hands-on appreciation of the time and labor involved.
We wrapped up our typing intensive last week and students should now be practicing at home nightly. Other glimpses of what’s been happening in our class . . .
Next week we have our beloved Readthon on Friday, which is the grand finale to a week full of exciting events like the book swap, author’s visits, and lots of reading. An email went out from the Communications Office with more information.
