Monday, February 29, 2016

On this leap day, we began a mini-project in science that involves creativity while using the knowledge that the students already have.  But first, we had to do a warm-up in preparation for Thursday's quiz.  The quiz will have 14 multiple choice questions and will be in the usual bubble-in format.  I like using that because not only do they get good practice for the End-of-Grade tests in May (three months away!!!) but I can score the quiz immediately and give instant feedback.

Before doing the mini-project, I showed the students the following short video from TigTag.

This week the students will be spending their time in science being creative while using the knowledge that they already have.  The task:  design their own prehistoric animal.  It is more than just drawing!  They have to come up it its appearance with as much detail as possible.  They have to invent details such as its habitat, whether it lives in a warm or cold climate, its predators and prey (and natural enemies), its food (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore), natural defense(s), height, color, weight, etc.   Below is what the students saw on the screen.  

Reminder:  tomorrow is an early release day.  This time students will dismiss at 2:15.  All classes will be in session though for a shorter duration.