Investigating magnet power

Yesterday we investigated magnet power. Students needed to choose one thing in the classroom that they predicted a magnet would not work through. Then they needed to choose something that they predicted the magnet would work through. We created a grid on the floor, moving the objects to the different categories. We found out that we were wrong in many of our predictions and that magnets are really strong!

Julia and Anabelle try the magnets on a block. They worked!

Elyiss tries an even thicker block...

Julian and Noah test a shoe.

Using Rulers

In first grade math our measurement unit continues! We've learned how to measure things with rulers and tape measures.

Non-standard units measurement

As part of the math curriculum, we have begun a unit on measurement in first grade math. We talked about how many years ago people used their body parts to measure things. Yesterday we investigated different units of measurement from our 'digit' (the width of our thumb) to our 'cubit' (the length from the tip of your elbow to the tip of your finger) to our 'pace' and even 'fathom'! The unit will move onto standard units of measurement later this week.

Callan measures the circle with his foot.

Rosey and Cadence carefully record their measurements in their math books.

Gus uses his 'yard' to measure the easel.

Gavin measures the white board with his fathom.

Callan measures the white board with his cubit.

Moon Paintings

Now that it it is officially feeling like fall, our Friday Activities have become more centered on the season. We read Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant, one of our favorite authors. Then we used tempera paints to create beautiful moonlit night backgrounds and the silhouette of bare trees.  I'll save these and give them to you at conference time so that they don't get ruined on the trip home being scrunched into a backpack!

Kids start by adding a white moon and then carefully mixing shades of white and blue to make rings around the moon.

Then they work on filling in the background.