We are doing something called Interactive Notebooks in all the science classes. They are composition notebooks that all the students use every day in class. Having these has really cut down on the major problems I had last year with kids losing notes, not having paper, etc. It is so nice not to hear the excuse, "I don't have any paper Mrs. Huntsman! And so and so wouldn't let me borrow any!" That is great!
Anyway, the last two days I have done some fun activities with my kids. Yesterday, we learned about inferences. We have been learning about observations and trying to make sure they are actually observations and NOT inferences. The kids kind of struggle with this. So I did a demonstration where I lit what looked like a candle and had them make observations. It was actually string cheese in a candle holder with an almond sliver for the "wick." The almond sliver burns for a few minutes because of the oil in the almond. They made observations for a few minutes and then I told them to observe one more thing...and I took a big bite out of it, "wick" and all. The surprise on their faces was fantastic. I had some kids say that they thought I was crazy for a moment! Here is a picture of what it looked like. Just know that I had the lights off (there was some light from the windows) and did not allow them to come close to it at all.
It was pretty fun.
Today we talked more about observations and inferences. I had a picture and two comic strips that we looked at today. They made observations and then inferences. I made them provide evidence for every inference they made. I think by the last one they really had the concept down.
I just have to mention this last little note....I am just curious. Have you ever heard of anyone allergic to citrus? I mean, so allergic that you will throw up if you even smell it? I did an activity where the kids smelled some cotton swabs that had been soaked in different scents. One was orange extract and a girl said very dramatically that she was allergic to citrus (after she had smelled it). I don't know if I believe her. Does that make me horrible? I believe that she is allergic, but not that just smelling it will cause her to throw up. She didn't have a reaction at all during the rest of class, but she told me that she threw up later. Wouldn't the reaction occur sooner? Whatever. I called dad to make sure that I covered my bases and will not bring in any citrus to my classroom!
1 comment:
Allergic to citrus? I don't think so. If she was "highly allergic" she would have thrown up then and there. Sounds more like a mind game she plays with herself. Ask the nurse or secretary. They should have it in her file if she is allergic to something. I LOVED teaching science. You get to do so many fun things. I love the string cheese candle!
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