Elementary

K/1st: Week of Jan 26

Water, water, everywhere… Dove deeper into the ocean (600 feet deep) into the twilight zone! Alphas learned that very little light reaches the dysphotic zone, which makes photosynthesis inoperable and plants obsolete. We explored many critters that live here, but focused on two enemies. The sperm whale vs the giant squid! While oceanographers have not captured video of the battle, tentacle marks left on sperm whales offer some evidence as to what might occur in the dark. One video animated a model of how sperm whales use echolocation to find their favorite food. Alphas collaged the great battle and depicted many epic […]

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Kindergarten student works with addition at STEM school in Austin.

3rd/4th: Week of Jan 19

Gammas packed a lot into our three day week, and we were excited to  discover that we have several budding poets among us.  We were grateful for  the beautiful weather during recess and lunch.  As the weather takes a turn this weekend, stay warm and safe! Math          Gamma 1’s reviewed fractions less than or equal to one. They compared fractions with the same denominators (⅓ < ⅔) or the same numerators ( ⅓ > ⅛ ).  They began comparing fractions with unlike denominators ( 4/6 > ¼).  They are using tools like  fractions bars, number lines and strip diagrams to help them.

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Two elementary students perform in front of class at micro school.

2nd: Week of Jan 19

Math In Math this week we wrapped up our time unit by learning about AM/PM and discussing the length of various daily activities. We also wrote out a sample schedule for a normal day AND conceived of a spectacular dream schedule for a most-perfect day! Always a favorite Beta activity :) On Thursday we launched our unit on measurement by learning about standard and nonstandard units of measurement, how to properly measure, and measuring several items in the classroom using nonstandard units. ELA Book Clubs are rolling right along! It is so heartening to see students independently reach for our

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Elementary student displays clay crafts at project based school in Austin.

K/1st: Week of Jan 19

Water, water, everywhere… This week, we left the shore for open water to explore the euphotic zone!  This is the layer of the ocean that gets the most sunlight. We learned that this layer is closest to land, which means it is closest to humans, and the Alphas know that where there are humans, there is trash! The euphotic zone is where over half of our oxygen comes from; it also contains 90% of all marine life — which makes its proximity to humans a little scary. The continents are ringed in the light blue of the euphotic zone… Alphas,

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Kindergartener laughs while holding notebook at school with small classes.

3rd/4th: Week of Jan 12

Quarter 3 is well underway and the Gammas are enjoying the beautiful weather at recess. We are looking forward to our many un-birthday and birthday celebrations that are coming up. Our class had a great start to cursive handwriting this week, and they are really getting it! Looking ahead, we will be entering the world of poetry. Gamma poets will be reading different types of poems and writing some of their own. Enjoy your four day weekend and see you Tuesday! Math Gamma 1’s composed and decomposed fractions this week looking at parts of a whole and fractional parts of

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Two elementary students work on Silk Road poster at project based school.