Earth Day. A reminder to reduce our ecological footprint and appreciate the beauty around us. While brainstorming a way to celebrate Earth Day this year, it really hit me how much your sons and daughters intrinsically care about the environment. Climate change, microplastics, and even the theory that all living things share a common ancestor are just some of the topics we have studied this year.

However, the learning environment that they occupy every day at school plays a part in their appreciation for using what is only necessary. Quality over quantity and embodying a minimalist mindset doesn’t happen if you are surrounded by technology, factory-made posters, and fabricated textbooks. Instead, our students are learning with natural light from big windows, beautiful materials, and student/teacher made work. We compost, talk about reusing our containers, and fill up our water bottles from our water dispenser. We breathe fresh air three times a day, meditate in the sunlight, and leave no trace on the beach. Everyday is Earth Day at The Cooper School.

What’s happening in Science:
Scientists are honing in on their microscope skills again, as we investigate living things and our cells. Middle School scientists observed their cheek cells, eloda, yeast, brine shrimp, and radish seeds to identify characteristics of living things and to inquire about the cells in which they are composed. For a brain break, they devised and implemented plans to clean up an oil spill by using everyday materials.

What’s up in Math?
Fifth Graders started module 5 this week! We are extending our understanding of areas in order to further interpret how to measure and calculate volume. In order to conceptualize this, we have been exploring using cubic centimeter blocks to design and create structures, as well as, using graduated cylinders to measure and fill rectangular prisms with water to understand liquid volume.
Sixth Graders have been using mathematical expressions in the applications of equations using all operations. Students solved geometric unknowns, analyzed equations with independent/dependent variables, used graphs to determine unknown quantities for variables, and made graphs by plotting points represented in the table.

In Writing:
Writers explored the pyramid structure used to catch readers attention, and provide important details early on in journalistic writing. We researched various news articles in order to recognize this structure in preparation to integrate this structure into their own writing.
Writers also explored the difference between story topics and story ideas in order to understand how headlines are used to grab readers attention.

Important Dates:
April 30- Field Trip to the Audubon Swamp
May 7th- Virtual Pass It On (viewing information will be sent home soon)- Half Day
May 31- Memorial Day-No School