Twirly Birds
This week, scientists continued to soar as they explored force and motion. Students investigated how adding weight affects the amount of force applied to objects and discussed the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces, concluding that changes in motion are caused by unbalanced forces. They then took their learning to the middle school stairs, where they dropped their “Twirly Birds” from great heights. Third graders compared how a standard twirly bird fell to one with a changed variable, observing how gravity pulls the bird downward while air pushes against its wings, causing it to spin rapidly. Students discovered that even small changes to a variable created big differences in the outcome. Be sure to have your student show you their amazing twirly bird!
Sensational Centers
Third grade has been loving centers this week as students engage in a variety of hands on learning experiences. They have been exploring poetry in deeper ways by illustrating poems, using magnets to create their own, listening to different styles of poetry, and becoming thoughtful editors of their own work. Students are also diving into physics as they design and build digital roller coasters, discovering that with enough force and momentum their creations can be a success. In math, students are exploring measurement and fractions by working with partners to estimate and refine their measurement skills. Each center is designed to enrich the core curriculum throughout the day while keeping learning fun and engaging.
Amazing Poets
Third grade poets continue to amaze us each day. This week, they read their first novel length collection of poems, Love That Dog by Sharon Creech, during reading workshop. Students read and responded to the poetry, paying close attention to how the main character’s feelings toward poetry change throughout the book. Many students connected with the main character, Jack, and his growth as a poet. During writing, students focused on creating tribute poetry for Pass It On. One student will be chosen to read their tribute poem about Wings for Kids, this year’s organization for Pass It On.
Important Dates:
April 3rd-10th – Spring Break (No School)
April 22nd – Art Night (5:30-6:30pm)
