In science last week we dissected seeds and flowers and discovered and labeled the parts. We then discussed how the various parts work together and watched a BrainPop video on pollination. We also tried our seed design challenge again with the knowledge we gained from our first try in making seed pods that best disperse seeds by wind. Working independently, each Temescalian had the same materials: one dried lima bean, one piece of 8 1/2 by 11 paper, one piece of 6-inch masking tape, and scissors. Each seed pod design had three trials with the fan and the results were averaged. Then we lined up the designs by how far they traveled and compared and contrasted what we noticed.

During super science and art on Friday we learned about two artists who use photosynthesis to create portraits made with living grass grown in the dark with images projected onto them. In small groups, Temescal scientists worked together to build models of water and carbon dioxide using pipe cleaners and beads, and then combined them to build the more complicated glucose molecule. This hands-on work helped them visualize and understand the process of photosynthesis and showed them how and why oxygen is leftover and released by plants.

In math we worked on subtracting two-digit and three-digit numbers and tried out different strategies, with open number lines being the main focus. The third grade mathematicians can decide how to use friendly numbers, which end in five or zero, to make their subtracting efficient and accurate. We also discovered that if two numbers are close to one another, like 187-175, it makes sense to do the “removal” strategy or taking away on the number line. And if numbers are farther apart, like 187-43, it is best to try “finding the difference” by hopping or adding on along the number line. We also learned the vocabulary for subtraction: minuend is the first number in a subtraction problem,  subtrahend is the second number which is being taken away, and the answer is called the difference.

The music intensive opera class performed Cinderella with the San Francisco Opera Guild in the Depot. We enjoyed watching some of our Temescalians perform along with fourth and fifth graders from Cerrito Creek. This collaboration was made possible by a third grade parent, who also worked with the students to get them ready for the big performance. Thank you Sara!

In writing workshop we are wrapping up our keepsake Thankfulness Expository writing, and will be sharing it during a celebration of learning before winter break. Watch for an email with more information this week. We also wrote letters to our beloved art teacher, Julianne, who has been out for medical reasons, and will be back this week. Our cursive practice continues and we now have many lowercase letters mastered.

We celebrated the day a Temescalian was born and heard stories about her life, like how Venus and Mars came together with a new moon to smile down as she entered the world. We also gave appreciations and birthday wishes, and enjoyed a sweet birthday treat together.

Iris and her baby returned for another visit and we continued to collect data on her growth and milestones, and made predictions. The Temescalians are extremely engaged and interested, and got to touch her cute little feet to say goodbye until next time.

Don’t forget to look over your child’s weekly reflection that went home Friday in backpacks, write a short, encouraging note, and help you child remember to return the folder every Monday. This “homework” should be taken on more and more by your child, and builds a routine that will help when real homework starts in the new year. It also helps to build a strong school-home connection.