Science Update by Joey

In science class we have been studying about ecosystems. An ecosystem is a place where abiotic and biotic factors live. The two together make a habitat where lots of animals live. Abiotic factors are non-living and biotic factors are living. In an ecosystem the abiotic factors sometimes make a home or shelter for the biotic factors. Some types of ecosystems are wetlands such as marshes, bogs, and swamps. There are also forests and grasslands. You have two different types of water: you have fresh water like ponds and lakes and you have saltwater such as the ocean and salt water marshes. There are many more types of bodies of water but I can’t describe them all. Sometimes when an animal dies in an ecosystem it can cause all the living animals to die. Maybe if a rat dies something that is supposed to eat it might die and the thing that ate the other animal will die too and the whole food web is going to get destroyed. If that were to happen the whole ecosystem will get destroyed. That is why it is so important for an animal to stay alive for a long time. So the tiniest little change can cause a lot of damage in an ecosystem.

By: Joey

Field Trip to Congaree National Park 10/26/11

We had a great time on our field trip to Congaree National Park.  It was chilly in the morning walking among the dense trees, but it warmed up and we had beautiful weather!! Ranger William took us along the boardwalk and talked about different parts of the park.  We learned about many different organisms living in the floodplain, such as cypress trees and their roots called "knees."  We discovered a tree that had been struck by lightning, but is still living, and has become a home to bats and other small organisms. These are just a few things we saw along the 2 mile walk! We enjoyed treats from Avery and Bailey, and we thank our chaperones who drove to be with us at the Park.  What a successful field trip!

 

More Pioneer Pics!

Our prairie girls: Bethany and Bailey

The Cowboys

The Cowgirls Raven and Madi playing Fan Tan

Mitchell and Patrick playing Cattle Drive

Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day was held on our Collaborative Planning Day on Wednesday, October 5.  Students could dress up as a pioneer, cowboy/cowgirl, gold miner, Native American or Coolie.  We had so many creative outfits!  Students really had an awesome time traveling to each classroom to see the different things that were done in the Pioneer time period.  Students played bean bag toss and bean games while enjoying a fresh cow pattie (cookie), and they mined for gold down at Dry Gulch Springs with Mrs. Lowe.  From there, they traveled cross country to Mrs. Oldam's for chili and cornbread and to watch Little House on the Prairie.  In Mrs. Able's room, students played the Oregon Trail to see who survived the Westward traveling.  Finally, students made butter and ate with crackers while making log cabins out of Lincoln logs and made thermatraupes with Mrs. Jett.   Students had full bellies and an experience they will not forget!  Thank you to all of our parents that helped by sending in supplies, and thank you to Mrs. Blachura and Mrs. Wilson for spending your day with us!

Jello Cells!

Caroline, AJ, and Taylor

Taryn, Stephen, Blake, Alyssa, and Austin

Noah and Matthew

Jello Cells

We have finished our Cells/Microscopes Unit in Science class.  Students had a great time creating pictures of cells, labeling parts, and looking at microorganisms in the microviewers. During our unit, students created cells with jello cups, grapes, blueberries, and jello.  Each part represented a part of the cell.  Our jello cup was the cell membrane, the blueberry was the nucleus, the grape was the vacuole, and the jello was cytoplasm.  After we created the jello cells, students enjoyed eating their "cytoplasm."  This lesson is always a favorite because there is food involved! Pictures to come...

Meet and Greet

The meet and greet last night was awesome!  Mrs. Lowe and I met many of our new students and their parents, siblings, grandparents, and others!  My classroom is just about ready... all that is missing are the students themselves!  Tomorrow will be an exciting day.  I look forward to seeing all my fifth graders bright and early!  Get a good night's sleep!

Back to school!

Another summer has slipped by, and another school year has come!  I am teaching 5th grade for the 5th year at Carolina Springs (my 6th altogether) in my new home located in Portable 6.  I have diligently been working hard to get Mrs. K's class hoppin' by Monday night for our Meet and Greet!  Wednesday, Aug. 17 will be quickly approaching.  I can't wait to see/meet all my new students!