Where did March go?

It is hard to believe we are already in the middle of April. March flew by, especially with a visit from Ms. Jean Lord of Pine View Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. She brought several different species of owls with her to meet the 4th graders. She even had a live, Great Horned owl named Espree. The children learned about all the work the center does to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured animals back into the wild. Some of the animals, like Espree, who is blind in one eye, cannot go back into the wild, so they become ambassadors for the center and help spread the word to respect and care about all living things. The Environmental Action Team (E.A.T.) and the 4th graders are having a fundraiser for Pine View to collect some need supplies to help the folks there care for over 600 patients a year. Check your Friday folder for a complete list of the supplie needed.

The 4th grade is now busy prepping for the Science Fair which will take place on April 30, 2012, in Mellowes Hall. Parents and other guests may visit and talk with the children about their research between 9:00 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. I hope everyone gets a chance to come and see the fantastic projects done by the 4th grade students.

The 3rd graders have just completed "Mission Training" and have earned their 2012 Astronaut badge. They can now launch their spacecraft and take off for their mission to explore the surface of Mars. While out in space, they will also investigate why we have 4 seasons, the phases of Earth's moon, how bones are affected by being in space, and a close-up look at Martian craters. The 3rd grade Astronauts are going to be very busy for the next few weeks.

The 2nd graders are busy observing the growth and changes in their tadpoles. They are also beginning their unit on Rocks and Minerals, and are busily preparing for their trip to the Schlitz Audubon for an in-depth lesson on soil and minerals.

The 1st graders are studying the rainforests of Brazil and we will coordinate a water cycle lab for them in science. Later in May they will be studying the Earthworm and designing several tests to see how the worm behaves in different conditions, like light and dark, or wet and dry.