Planets and.......the {DIRT} on soil

As I've said before (like, 100 times before), we are up to our eyeballs in science right now!  Trying to cram in a semester of science in 7 weeks is beyond absurd.  What the heck was anyone thinking (myself included)?????

We wrapped up our solar system unit (the kids were very upset about this.....very, VERY, very upset).  They could have spent the rest of the year on the solar system!  They were put into cooperative learning groups and did research on each planet.  Then, they presented their findings to the class and made posters to go along with their presentations.  They all did so good!!!!

When we finished our planet presentations, we went into landforms and soil.  I found this adorable {FREE} foldable from The Teachers' Cauldron. 

 The kids loved getting to draw their landforms.  I used this as an assessment tool because, right now, getting them to stay engaged is like pulling teeth!!!  I figured if they could draw, I would get more out of them......and I did!!! Here is one of my kiddos' drawing of an island.  Tell me this kid doesn't understand what an island is!  How cute is that? 

Then, after landforms, we dove into dirt.....or soil, rather! I found this awesome unit on soil.....and everything involved with soil.......from Natalie!  It comes with all the info you need to complete the activities.  For the life of me, I cannot get the picture to transfer, so you'll just have to take my word for it.  I loved it!  We did some whole group stuff with it, some group work and then some independent practice with it.  My all-in-one soil resource. 

 

Next week, we are getting into ecosystems and inherited traits and behaviors.  I'll let ya know how that goes.  Are anyone else's kids just DONE with school at this point??  I mean to tell ya, anytime I ask them to do anything that requires effort or thought, they look at me like I'm the wicked witch and then they groan in despair.  It really makes you feel like "Teacher of the Year", ya know?? 

 

I have some really cool, neat, "no thought required" stuff for the last week of school......we just have to make it that far!!  Wish me luck :)

 

I know that some of you are already out for the year {I hate you}.......so enjoy your time off!  For the rest of you going back to work on Monday.....enjoy your Saturday night and Sunday.  Rest. You'll need all the energy you can muster these last few days!

 

Keep livin' the dream, 

Lots of science and a 3-day workshop!

Ohmiword.......are you exhausted???  Cause I'm exhausted........pooped.......and ready for summer!!!!  We have 4 weeks left.......15 instructional days (days to take grades) and one last week of mass {chaos} before we are D.O.N.E.!!!!  In the spirit of countdowns, Christi from Ms. Fultz's Corner has created the cutest little blinky!!

Now, if that doesn't brighten your day, I don't know what will :)

In room 14, we have been up to our elbows in science!!!  I didn't realize I liked teaching science this much, but I really, REALLY do!  We are in our solar system unit right now and the kids cannot get enough of it.  They are asking me so many great questions and they are genuinely engaged in the content.  It's awesome!  We broke up the solar system into the sun and planets and we made cooperative learning groups.  Each group has 2-3 people who are responsible for teaching the rest of the class about their planet or star (the Sun).  Here is some of the work we've done so far:

We have been to the library to check out books and have been to the computer lab to do research online.  (BTW- there are soooo many awesome websites that are kid-friendly and use fantastic imagery and grade level vocabulary).  Here are just a few that we found:

Kid Astronomy

Planets for Kids

NASA for Kids

Science Kids

Nine 8 Planets

Kid Zone

Here comes the kink in my perfectly organized plan......I have a 3 day workshop tomorrow thru Wednesday.  Taking kids to and from the library and computer lab is not something I am willing to do to a sub......especially as rowdy and rambunctious as my kids have been lately......BUT......I also don't want to just leave busy work and the learning to stop.  Enter......Amber from Adventures of a Third Grade Teacher!  She has this wonderful solar system lapbook/foldable and it is perfect for this situation.  I used it on Friday (hence, the pics above) when I had a half day sub (meetings......ugggghhhhh) and I would use it even if I didn't have a sub.  It's just that awesome.  I'm kind of jealous that I won't be there to see my kids do more of this.  Sad face.

My kiddos will be comparing planets with a Venn diagram, creating foldables about day and night, eclipses and the phases of the moon.  The learning won't stop just because I'm gone and that puts my mind at great ease.  With this product, you also get a mini-book that has all the information you need to complete the lapbook and foldables.  My kids already have these books, printed and ready to go.  Amber really did think of everything!!!

 

Another great resource of Amber's is her End of Year "Color by Code" product.  It's perfect for kids who get done early or for subs (yayyy!!!).  It requires thought and calculation, but not teacher help.  It's great!  My kiddos LOVE them! Here's a little sneak peek:

I am totally prepared and my kiddos and sub are ready for my 3-day absence. This workshop is a K-4 science (physics) workshop and I can't wait to attend!  I'll be sure to share all the wonderful things I learn :)

 



Ok.....I'm off to enjoy the rest of my Mother's Day.  I hope you all are enjoying your weekend.....and for all you mothers out there.....Happy Mother's Day!!!  I hope you're spoiled rotten :)

 

 

Keep livin' the dream,