What have we done and what are we doing now



What have we done and what are we doing now?

Science Specials has been focusing on the following:

•

1st grade- Kids for the Earth- reading about natural resources and how we can conserve as we keep Earth clean and beautiful. They are designing t-shirts to take the message home to parents.

• 2nd grade- Reading Our Natural Resources- with a focus on water as a nonrenewable natural resource and the water cycle. Students are recording their thoughts about the importance of water on raindrops. Some are posted in the hallway and others being sent home.

• 3rd grade- researching the impact of the drought on Georgia habitats using news articles and Georgia habitat resources.

• 4th grade- taking a mini field trip through the water cycle to learn about this closed system and why water pollution is such a concern.

• 5th grade- How Much Water?-Two weeks ago students used news articles to become familiar with the drought conditions and restrictions and then calculated water savings converting gallons saved to cups. Last week they research and identified the direct and indirect impacts of droughts using graphic organizers to record their findings. This week into next, they will be choosing a water fact which uses a percentage. These will be converted into a corresponding decimals and fractions and will include a visual graphic of the statistic.

Ms. Payne, Math Specialist, had 4th grade students construct graphs using water related data and are displaying them in the Math hall.

The Science Lab has put up a large display of a water conservation jar. It is being filled with water saving tips sent by staff and students written on water drops made from recycled art room paper. As students walk by they are encouraged to read the tips and solve some of the math problems posted using the data from the jar. And yes, they are now realizing that the answers change daily as our drops fill more of our jar!

The Science Lab has started a water recycling station collecting ice left from lunch and water used for science activities. This water is then distributed, using recycled plastic containers, to classrooms or offices upon request to water plants or fill class pet water dishes, fish bowls and tanks. Some of the water is reused in the Lab to keep animals clean and well watered. Leftover water at days end is used to give thirsty potted plants in the front of the school or the back courtyard a drink.

Ms. Dillard, EIP and Math Specials Teacher, is working with her 4th grade weather crew to include a water fact or water conservation tip during the daily weather report on our in house TV station.

Ms. Adames ( principal) gives us daily reminders on the morning news about the importance of water and ways we can reduce our use.

Ms. McMahon, Media Specialist and BRES morning show producer, has included some water saving tips on the morning scroll before announcements.

Ms. Green, Media Clerk, has pulled books about water for teacher resources.

Ms. Beck and the 5th Grade Technology Club created a Water Slideshow which has been shown in the cafeteria during lunch to all grade levels.

Science Specials is hosting a poster contest for 5th graders with the Importance of Water and Water Conservation as the theme. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons will be awarded to each class. Posters will be displayed throughout the school.

Dr. Angela Perry, School Counselor tied Red Ribbon Week into our wear blue Wednesday. This Wednesday blue stands for Water and “Don’t Let Drugs Make You Blue”. Students and staff are encouraged to wear blue every Wednesday until November 16th.

A folder of water related ideas has been placed on the shared drive for teachers to use as a resource in developing a Water Wise Wednesday activity that links to content area AKS. The folder contains news articles, video clips, lesson ideas, and water related data for graphing. Classes that participate in at least one Water Wise Wednesday activity will all receive “I’m Water Wise” stickers to wear on their shirts. Teachers that participate will receive an “I’m Water Wise” button to wear.

Water Wise Wednesday participants to date:

• Ms. Claxton’s 4th grade wrote cinquains about water.

• Ms. Phillips 1st grade learned a Water Conservation Song and made a list of how we can save water. Each child chose one way and wrote it on a raindrop that is displayed in the classroom.

• Ms. Ludy’s 3rd grade read articles on the drought and wrote summaries for LA class.

• All kindergartens participated in interactive writing making a list of ways to conserve water.  They are currently studying nonfiction writing. This week they will do an interactive writing letter to persuade someone to conserve water. This is also related to nonfiction and persuasive writing.

Ms. Simmons, Focus Teacher, will began a unit with her Fourth and Fifth grade Focus students called "Go with the Flow."   This unit focuses on Science AKS on the water cycle.  This will tie in with graphing use of water for several days and other experiments that focus on PH of liquids either acids or bases. There is a nutrition piece as well.  This unit focuses on scientific method and discovery. The water purification process is part of this unit.  It shows how water is cleaned and recycled.

An e-mail has gone out to other science teachers and science specialists in the county inviting them to use our resources or send us their ideas and join our efforts.

A bulletin board in the front foyer spotlights some of BRES’ Water Wizards. These are students and staff that are taking action to teach others about the importance of water and conservation. This will continue to evolve.

A parent letter with pledge card was sent home last Friday. It encourages Beaver Ridge families to join our “Every Drop Counts” campaign. We are asking that they pledge to conserve water at home and have provided some helpful tips. Pledge cards will be used to construct a pictograph by first graders for Math Night, November 8th.

Mr. Pereira, Music Teacher, has been working with students to create songs with a water theme.

Mr. Pena, Art Teacher, is using the theme “Water Wonderful” as he works with students to prepare the decorations for our annual Candle Light Luncheon for students and their families.

Ms. Luker, PE Teacher, is doing an activity with a theme that involves piping water from one area to another.  Because of the drought, water may have to be piped in from one location to our tanks in our communities.  The games involve moving objects from one end of the gym to the other.  It is important that no drops of water fall off the pipeline/or the pipeline springs a leak as we have wasted it and will have to start all over. The games involve cooperation and team work to move the water.

The Math Specialists are incorporating the “Every Drop Counts” theme for our November 8th Math Night Parent Meeting. A display booth from the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center will be set up for parents and students to browse through that evening.

Water Wise Wednesdays continue until November 16th.

Student work will be displayed for Math Night and viewing during Parent -Teacher Conference days to inform and remind parents of the need to conserve.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download