Flying high with an airplane inquiry

For the last couple of weeks, paper airplanes have been a focus of learning.  They have been zooming down the hall and all around the playground and we have discovered many things through the process.

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After folding a few planes and flying them the children became interested in finding out the parts of a plane.  They began their research by looking through the books we had and putting their observations down on paper with pictures and labels.

Then it was important to measure the distance and see how far our creations would fly.  We also measured differences in flight using light paper verses heavy paper.

We have now started exploring airplane building with other tools making sure we have the important parts.

We have become skilled enough to help teach others.  This inquiry had provided opportunities to learn about flight and elements of airplane construction as well as components of math with counting, adding and measurement.  We have also worked at developing our fine motor skills as we cut, fold and create the best flying machines.

Stay tuned to see where we take off too next.

Engineering dens

Many people in our class are interested in den building.  As an outcome of their play with animals, the children started creating homes to protect and nurture their pretend animals. 

We headed out to the Green Class for Forest Friday, and immediately noticed the dip in temperature. The children saw the need to create safe and comfy dens for the real animals we share our schoolyard with. 

Because our students are great little engineers, they headed straight to the drawing board and started making plans. 

Planning continued outside in the shed, sheltered from the wind. We noticed how the shed kept us warm with walls and a roof. 

Then it was out to start building. 

The children are using the inquiry process to learn problem solving, communication, team work, and empathy. 

Spicy playdough

The children explored some whole spices at the play table. 

They observed pink pepper, bay leaves, rosemary, cardamom, and cloves. 

Using a mortar and pestle, they crushed and pounded the spices, further releasing the scent. 

Some uncoloured play dough served as a medium to further explore the scents and textures. 

Winter Wonderland

Jack Frost visited the Green Class last night!

We immediately found evidence of some early morning visitors. 

Nick discovered that shaking the trees makes the snow fall again. 

Ben tried to catch the flakes on his nose and eyelashes. 

Other children used hand shovels to manipulate the snow, making dens and warrens. 

Natalie chose to fill the feeders for our avian friends. 

And look who visited soon after! The children were very still observing the chickadees only steps away. 

We heard them tweet "Thank you!" before we left them to their buffet. 

A walk in the woods

A group of intrepid explorers sallied forth into the great unknown today. We went on a long nature walk along the fire road behind the school. 

Fall is such a great time to explore the woods- no bugs, lots of seeds and fruits to find, and the animals are active as they prepare for winter. 

As we passed the school, the children got to look at it from a new perspective. 

At the top of the hill, we discovered a farmer's field filled with interesting things. Andrew found soybeans. 

Van and Austin found deer tracks.

And Hugh and Kolton discovered that some of the soybean gleanings were sprouting little tails. 

We collected a handful of them. Back at the ranch, we planted the sprouts to see what happens. 

Now to wait and see!

Heavy paint

Today we explored a process-based art activity, where the product was less important than the experience of creating it. We simply added sand to regular paint, which changed its properties significantly. 

The students discovered that this paint actually sounded different when you brushed it across the paper. 

Also, you have to work a little harder to get it to do what you want. 

Eventually some children tried touching it, and described the texture as sandy, gritty, rough. 

They also discovered that it made the paper a lot heavier when it was time to let it dry. So much science in the art studio!