Earth Day 2015

We started our day with an energetic performance by "The Energized Guyz," who reminded us we all need to be superheros and conserve energy and resources! Here, the preschoolers meet the inspiring actors.

Next, the PreKers, helped take care of our school garden. We are happy the snow is gone and the plants are waking up!

In the afternoon, the kindergarten went on a field trip to Bauer Park, hiking on trails and through wetlands and witnessing toads laying eggs!

What an amazing day in our amazing school on our amazing planet!

MoonQuest and Solar System Shares Coming Soon!

The third graders have been busy studying the moon and solar system in their classroom and in the STEAM Lab. Tomorrow, they will use an interactive website (www.moon.com.co/atlas) to study then mold and cast specific areas of the lunar surface while thinking about physical characteristics of the moon, positive and negative space, light reflection and properties of materials. Rachel Berwick, third grade mom and professor at RISD, will offer her expertise and help. We are excited and grateful for this special opportunity! Come to MoonQuest 2015 and the 3rd Grade Solar System Fair next Thursday, April 9th at 8:30 to help celebrate our learning!

TCS C.A.R.E.S - our responsibility for other living things?!

When the "Clark House Mouse" decided to make an appearance during PreK STEAM class this week, we seized the moment and discussed the needs of all living things: food, water and shelter, which the students excitedly designed and provided for our friend. After the winter we've had, we all agreed that we could sympathize with this critter's need to be inside! After a few days, our friend was set free to make his or her way in the great habitats that surround our campus.

Gaming and Learning?!

Sit with students at lunch or chat with them around campus and you can see that the lure of gaming is, for many kids, very strong. While parents worry about the distraction factors and time spent away from other worthwhile activities, there are many educational merits being argued:

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/12/5-digital-games-that-teach-the-art-of-persuasion/

What are your thoughts? I'd be curious to hear and discuss as I am in the thick of it as a teacher and parent.

What You See in the Moon?

Here are some of the creative ideas the third graders came up with in response to this question!

Lunar Exlorers

The third graders are starting their moon studies. Here, a student outlines some images she sees in a projection of a full moon.

Navigating to Africa

The second grade compasses are beautiful and functional! They are off on their journey with some helpful tools.