STEM Barrel Challenge

This STEM challenge was to design and build a barrel with clothespins, an empty toilet paper roll, 2 rubber  bands, cardboard scraps, yarn, and a pair of scissors, that will hold water the longest period of time without leaking. While they ultimately all leaked, the craftsmanship and level of group-effort was priceless and beautiful. A majority of the children would like to revisit the challenge and tweak their barrels with what they have learned from the coopers.

Wagon Challenge

Engineering Challenge!

We had our first STEM engineering activity on Thursday for Westward Ho! The task was to create an emigrant covered wagon out of a shoebox and MakerSpace supplies. The goal was to make it sturdy enough to carry a heavy load. The three downstairs rooms were all abuzz with the sound of eager, engaged, determined students. Each of the eight groups of first through fourth graders came up with a unique, well thought out plan. We used water bottles as weights and some of the wagons could hold all nine bottles! Watch for a blog that features our collaborative groups of engineers with their designs.

Classroom Compact

After evaluating the Mayflower Compact, the children decided that all persons should be included and all persons should be invited to sign a classroom compact.  Here is what The Transitioners created:

Our Classroom Compact

In the name of Seabury School, peace be with us all.  We whose names are underwritten, The Transitioners Subjects, by the grace of our classroom.  On this day, November 15, 2019, we, The Transitioners, promise to have fair rules in our classroom.  Mrs. Moon as our guide, we will promise to each other respect, safety, integrity, cooperation, and responsibility.  Furthermore, we wish for:

• an organized environment 
• to be helpful and kid to one another 
• treat others the way you want to be treated
• we want peace during literacy and to not disturb others during worktime
• kind hands (no pushing)
• freedom to ask questions and ask for help with spelling
• for all to take the initiative to clean up what you see, without being asked
• to live and learn with a growth mindset

Cedar River Watershed

It is hard to know what each child feels as they experience the Cedar River Watershed. Be sure to talk with them about their experience and most certainly create an opportunity to go experience it yourself. 

Forest Court

"The Forest Court with its trees, shrubs, native plants, a stream and Water Drum art, forms the Center's heart. The Forest Court is a quiet place of beauty, a spot from which a visitor can watch birds, listen to frogs and witness mist rising off the lake."

Douglas fir roots

 Here is a bit of history about Rattlesnake Lake.

We fully enjoyed the Cedar River Watershed hands-on exhibit. Using numbered balls as water drops, the children tracked the water cycle from the ocean, rivers, plants, our homes, water treatment plants. CRW offers a "flow through the water cycle and journey through habitats and history, as you look, listen and do" that is truly engaging, entertaining, and educational.

 Above are examples of the locals who share the water with us:  juvenile elk, black-tail deer, black bear, and beaver skulls.

 Lunch in the Forest Court with the music of the rain and rain drums.

Halloween 🎃

Hundreds! Thousands! Millions! Oh my!

We are building relationships with numerals, place values, and quantities: reading, writing, building, comparing, ordering, rounding. We work collaboratively to problem solve and gain a deeper understanding, as well as have a great deal of FUN! 

Cohesion & Adhesion

Cohesion & Adhesion

The children are exploring the cohesive properties of water while observing the dome shape build up on top of coins. How many drops of water will fit?  Why does it not immediately spill off the coin? Why do water molecules appear in spherical forms? The children wonder and explore as the conversations brew around the classroom.