Observation Day 1

Today was our first observation of our bananas.  We looked at and studied them.  They looked a lot like the did yesterday with the exception of the banana we put in the freezer.

We took notes and drew pictures of our bananas in our journals.  We tried to describe the banana and draw an accurate picture.   Ask your child about his/her banana.

The Great Banana Experiment 2016

Today we started our experiment.  We are being scientists and trying to figure out how to make a banana stay fresh and last a long time.  We talked about making predictions, writing an hypothesis and working as a scientist to observe our banana throughout the week.

We have bananas 1) in the fridge  2) in the freezer  3) on the counter in our classroom  4) in a warm, sunny spot  5) in a cool, dark spot and 6) wrapped in tinfoil.

We will let you know our results!

Being scientists, writing in our journal.

The Red Cup Challenge and Observations

Today we did the Red Cup Challenge!  Teams worked on building a 6 cup pyramid.  Sounds easy...but the challenge was that they could not use their hands.  The only tools they could were the rubber band with string tied to it.  It was really hard!  Teams learned that they needed to have good communication, share equally and listen to ideas in order to be successful.  Ask your child about what they did and learned.  

Almost there - CRASH!

SUCCESS!

We also practiced being good observers.  We talked about how observers takes notes and write about what they see.  They might make some guesses about things, but mostly they describe what they see and not how they feel.  Each team had to observe an everyday object like a bottle of glue or a book.  We shared our observations as a class.  Next week, we will be  doing The great Banana Experiment and will put our skills to good use.

Kahoot and March for Others

Today we did a Kahoot quiz with Ms. Olson's class to review Bus safety.  Many students ride the bus to school and we all ride the bus on field trips.  It is important that we all know the safety rules.

Part of the quiz had questions about evacuating the bus.  It is important that we know what to do in emergency situations so that we stay safe.  Ask your child about some of the safety rules.

Thank you Ms. Olson and her students for a really fun activity!

This afternoon we had our March for Others Assembly.  In our classroom we collected 50 items to donate.  Each student will carry one or two items to add to our mass collection.  Ask your child about the final total!

Field Trip - Roseville City Hall

Today was our field trip to Roseville City Hall!  It was amazing and we learned a lot!  WE got to visit the Police station, Public Works, Fire station and City Council Chambers.  We even got to spend some time with the mayor, Dan Roe.

Here are some things that we learned:

- If there is a medical emergency, there is a special truck that is used to go and help.  O.

- The Public Works department fixes pipes and takes care of our roads.  H.

- Some police officers don't carry guns.  Y.

- The mayor has a real job and the job of being the mayor.  A.

- The Fire Fighters have to stay overnight when they are working.  A.

- Police Officers want to help us be safe.  D.

- Different jobs within the city use different tools.  R.

A detention cell~Yikes!

Snow Plow

Trying on the Fire Fighter clothing!

Morning Recess

Monday and Tuesday we had morning recess after we were done with the U of M research.  We went out for about 10 minutes and had the chance to use the playground as just our class.  It was fun to burn off some energy and play!  The weather was beautiful!

Research Helpers

For the past few days the entire Second grade has been helping the University of Minnesota with some research.  Each day the students work on a mini iPad to read a passage and answer questions.  They usually work for about 30 minutes.  It is part of their research about reading and reading comprehension in young students.  The students have worked hard each morning and enjoy feeling like they have a part in helping.