Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,
Last week, the class began the study of the plant kingdom. The students learned about the life cycle of higher plants, from seed germination at the beginning to the formation of new seeds at the end of the cycle. They also learned about the involvement of soil, air, water, light, and warmth in germination and the formation of roots, stalks, leaves, and blooms. The students are now growing beans in the classroom to observe the process in person. They are keeping them in ziplock bags to watch the whole plant grow.
The class also studied the anatomy of flowers, including the names of their different parts and their involvement in the pollination process. Then, the students took a closer look at the dandelion. The dandelion is a perfect study object, as the students can observe different stages of bloom on one plant at the same time. Regarded as a weed by many, the dandelion is an important plant that deserves not to be overlooked. With its bright yellow flowerheads, the dandelion provides food to hungry bees when they become active in spring after huddling in their hives for the whole winter. The entire plant can be used by humans, either for food or for medicinal purposes. Finally, the students also discussed the ethical harvesting of wild plants and heard a Native American story about the Dandelion and the South Wind from the Ojibwe People in the Northern parts of the USA and South Canada.
Simultaneously, our students are also honing their observation and descriptive skills through the ongoing monitoring of the mummification process of their apples using their senses. They had to change the salts after three days, as the salts had drawn a significant amount of moisture from the apples. Each time they inspect the apples, the students are challenged to articulate how the apples have changed in appearance, how they feel to the touch, and how they smell. This exercise in putting their sensory observations into words is a crucial step in their scientific journey, preparing them for the study of more complex natural phenomena they will encounter in the middle grades.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please send your child ready for full creekcess on Fridays with a change of clothes, hard-bottomed, closed-toed shoes, and a towel.
Please send two full water bottles to school daily; students feel the warmer temperatures and drink a lot of water!
Upcoming Events:
5/11 Community Work Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
5/14 Sixth Grade Class Play 5:30 p.m.
5/15 Field Day / Half Day for Kindergarten
5/17 Last Day of School - Full Day
Warm regards,
Gaby Farrokhi