Keeping Warm with Animal Adaptations

Objective:  To explore how structures and functions of animals allow them to survive in a particular environment


Third Graders learned about animal adaptions with the use ofGO Temp thermometer probes.  Discovery Go Temps are USB thermometers that collect data and display a temperature graph plotted in real time. After learning about animal adaptions, students investigated to see how structures help mammals survive in their particular environments.  The students used 2 soda cans. One was with material "fur".  Water was heated and poured into each can.  The Go Temps were place in the cans and the students were able to monitor the temperature graph on the digital projector.  The temperatures were viewed every 10 minutes for 30 minutes.  The students were able to see that "fur" helps an animal stay warmer than one with out fur. 

Warm-Up Right!

Morning warm-up in Mrs. Jordan's room has gone high tech with the use of TurningPoint NXT responsecards. The students start their morning completing a math warm-up on paper which allows them to show their work and use their testing strategies. When they have finished their work they use the responsecards to input their answers at their own pace. Mrs. Jordan is able to see their answers choices as she monitors their results on her computer. After the students submit their answers on the responsecard, they are given their score. If they missed any questions they know they have to see Mrs. Jordan immediately to get assistance with the questions they missed. The students say that it is fun to input their answers and they like being able to see their scores on the spot. Mrs. Jordan likes that she is able to see and address the students that need assistance immediately.

The Handy Scanner

Art and technology went hand and hand in Mrs. Preston's room when the students used scanners to create their work. First, students learned about Mehndi, the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration from India. Then they scanned their hands using a flatbead scanner. After printing out their handprints, the students used them to create their own Mehndi art. A high five to Mrs Preston and her fifth grade artists!

Making History Click

Fifth Graders are making facts about the American Revolutionary War click by using TurningPoint clickers. These clickers make PowerPoint presentations interactive and allows all students to participate. Teachers and students can see immediately if they understand the concept or know the material. The classes love using the clickers since it gives learning a "
game-like" feel.

Fall Hall Mall Commercials

Third graders at Canyon Creek created commercials to advertise their Fall Hall Mall crafts. The students worked in groups to create these commercials and fall crafts to sell at their annual Fall Hall Mall. The students learned about persuasive writing and advertisements. Proceeds will be used for a field trip to Mckinney Roughs.

Fifth Graders "Adopt" a Soldier

Mrs. Montgomery's and Mrs. Terry's classes "adopted" a soldier currently stationed in Afghanistan! The classes have been able to Skype with Sergeant Emerson, a member of the Air Force on several occasions. Sergeant Emerson has challenged the classes to a PT fitness goal that requires both exercise and math. This challenge is to complete 10,000 pushups, sit ups and squats before he returns in the January. The classes work together on completing this goal and chart their progress daily. In addition, to learning about his life in Afghanistan, the students also participated in a service project by sending a care package to the soldier. The students are looking forward to meeting Sergeant Emerson when he returns to the United States in January.

Taking Math and Science to New Heights

Fifth grade students took their math and science skills to new heights with a hot air balloon experiment that culminated in launching their own balloons. After the launch, the students created a documentary about the project. Their project was even featured on the district website.  The students learned about the history of hot air balloons and avionics.  They worked together in teams to construct their own balloon. They learned how to take the mathematical measurements required to construct hot air balloons. They also learned the physics of how hot air rises above cold air to allow balloons to fly.   A group of students worked together to make a documentary about their project. Using Movie Maker, the fifth graders wrote a script and incorporated video and photographs taken by parents and staff to create a documentary about their experience. Watch their video and you can see their learning soar!