Week of February 2-6

 When 5th grade met this week we used our time together to finalize our Big Ideas and develop our Essential Question. In order to do this we spent time talking about what a strong EQ sounds like but also what a strong EQ DOESN’T sound like. Another focus we have for our passion projects is to reflect more. This project is testing out our 21st Century Skills by making us research and think critically about how to get the best information. By reflecting we are being metacognitive (aware of our own thinking) and therefore conscious of what we are doing to expand our knowledge. In order for us to dive deeper into our passion we have to do the proper research.

5th grade HW was to complete the research template and determine the best sources for information (best books, articles, websites, interview candidates, etc.)

Our 4th grade classes were all able to meet this week and continue learning about the impact of pollutants (and oil) on surrounding ecosystems. 4a and 4b got a chance to do the jigsaw lesson about the impact rivers have on people that 4c did last week.

4a and 4b’s HW was to research the Delaware River and the impact it had on NJ and surrounding areas. Then, create an article, just like the ones we read in class, about how important the Delaware River is to us.

4c had the chance to watch a great follow up news bulletin about the progress (or lack of progress) in the cleanup of the oil spill in the Yellowstone River. We then, reenacted how that oil spill (and all other oil spills) impacts an ecosystem. We took on different roles and created a real life food web so show how connected all consumers, producers and decomposers are. Then 4c watched a JAW DROPPING clip (http://youtu.be/ysa5OBhXz-Q) of how wolves changed the rivers in the Yellowstone National Park. It was incredible to see how one change to the ecosystem impacts the ENTIRE ecosystem.

4c’s HW was to read an article about the addition of a larger underground oil pipeline and choose a side; either for or against the building. Then, write a persuasive lesson to convince your audience to join your side. 4c needs to keep in mind the effects of another potential oil spill and the wolf clip to see the positive and negative impact it could have on the environment.

3rd Grade made awesome progress on our water filter designs. 3a and 3b have begun the Engineering Design process with a new problem in mind by asking, “How can we filter drinkable water, at an affordable cost?” 3a and 3b are working on improving the filters we created last week to ensure that this time materials are used and combined to be most effective. Individually, students imagined several filter ideas and then in small groups began to collaborate and plan how each component of the filters would work. When we meet next we are going to use the pricing guide to help figure out how affordable each filter is and finally get to create each unique filter! I know we can’t wait to test our designs!

3a and 3b’s HW was to find materials at home that effectively filter water and reflect on how those materials might help our plan here at school.

3c used their understanding of water filtration to predict what materials would make the best water filter (a screen, paper coffee filters and sand/gravel). We followed the Engineering Design Process to ASK, IMAGINE, PLAN, and CREATE a water filter in class. Then, we came together and brainstormed how to IMPROVE our original plan to develop an EPIC water filter.

3c’s HW was to try this same process out at home. Then, report back with data collected from testing out different materials. When we meet next week we will discuss what properties lead to the most effective filters and apply that to the filters we engineer in class.