December 16, 2013
Hello ASU Prep Families,
I am so pleased to let you know that one of our LEGO teams qualified for the state tournament this past weekend. We met at ASU Tempe campus on Saturday at 8:00 am to compete against 56 other top teams from around the valley. The competition was narrowed down from 300 to 56, and I am so proud of all 3 of our teams that competed this year. The team, Devil's Fury 3, earned over 600 points on their 3 robot portions of the competition. They also performed a skit, talked to judges about their computer programming, and explained to judges their robot design. Each team was required to come up with a problem involving Nature and design a solution to the problem. Our skit explained the problem and solution. The team did a GREAT job with all three of these tasks.
This team ended up placing 15th out of 56 teams. WOW! They also received a special award for "Gracious Professionalism". The team was spotlighted for their positive attitude, kindness and respect towards the judges, including all their team members, and supporting/encouraging each other. It was such an honor to receive this award! We are proud to represent ASU Prep in this positive manner!
Consider having your child join LEGO robotics next year. It is a great way to make friends, learn new skills, and work together to solve problems. There is a fee involved and the practices are held after school.
Please join me in congratulating Rudy, Arvin, Joey, Sebastian, and Ethan on a successful state competition.
I'll see you at ILP's on Thursday and Friday.
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Monday, December 16, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Summative
December 11, 2013
Hello Families,
Thank you for coming to Summative on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. We appreciated your patience as you waited for the program to begin, while you watched all the plays, and as you negotiated the hallways and classrooms. For those of you who have children that performed last may I give you a special BIGGS thank you for being a great & patient audience by supporting all of our performers.
We enjoyed helping students perfect their lines, design their scenery, practice projecting their voices, organize their costumes, plan their props, etc. It has been a very positive experience for all of us! We are proud of their great work ethic and for the skills they have learned during this process. We have also learned about our strengths and talents. Thank you for sharing your wonderful, clever, funny, smart, intelligent, and creative children with us!
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Hello Families,
Thank you for coming to Summative on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. We appreciated your patience as you waited for the program to begin, while you watched all the plays, and as you negotiated the hallways and classrooms. For those of you who have children that performed last may I give you a special BIGGS thank you for being a great & patient audience by supporting all of our performers.
We enjoyed helping students perfect their lines, design their scenery, practice projecting their voices, organize their costumes, plan their props, etc. It has been a very positive experience for all of us! We are proud of their great work ethic and for the skills they have learned during this process. We have also learned about our strengths and talents. Thank you for sharing your wonderful, clever, funny, smart, intelligent, and creative children with us!
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
The Twelve Days of School
December 3, 2013
You know the song... "The Twelve Days of Christmas"? Well, it is the TWELVE days of school until winter break! These first two quarters have absolutely FLOWN BY!
We are looking forward to your families coming to our Summative on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. We will begin promptly at 5:00 pm. We will have an agenda or schedule for you to follow. If you have questions about what your child needs for that evening, please send an email to your child's first core class teacher. Please know that we are hoping that you are able to find things around your home that your child can wear for their costume or loan us for a prop. Some families have offered to loan articles of clothing and one family has manufactured a prop for 3 of our classrooms. ASU Prep families sure are talented and generous. Thank you for supporting your child's efforts and experiences here at school.
The FUN RUN is scheduled for this Friday after lunch. We hope you will consider making a donation to our school and allow your child the opportunity to "run for the money" donation. We appreciate your donations! Please know that your child's education will be enriched through your donations...time, talents, and money. If you don't donate to their FUN RUN please consider making a tax credit donation!
The sign up for ILP meetings will be coming out via email. I believe you should be able to see the sign up by December 8th. Please consider signing up for Thursday, Dec. 19th. I look forward to meeting with you for ILP's.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
You know the song... "The Twelve Days of Christmas"? Well, it is the TWELVE days of school until winter break! These first two quarters have absolutely FLOWN BY!
We are looking forward to your families coming to our Summative on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. We will begin promptly at 5:00 pm. We will have an agenda or schedule for you to follow. If you have questions about what your child needs for that evening, please send an email to your child's first core class teacher. Please know that we are hoping that you are able to find things around your home that your child can wear for their costume or loan us for a prop. Some families have offered to loan articles of clothing and one family has manufactured a prop for 3 of our classrooms. ASU Prep families sure are talented and generous. Thank you for supporting your child's efforts and experiences here at school.
The FUN RUN is scheduled for this Friday after lunch. We hope you will consider making a donation to our school and allow your child the opportunity to "run for the money" donation. We appreciate your donations! Please know that your child's education will be enriched through your donations...time, talents, and money. If you don't donate to their FUN RUN please consider making a tax credit donation!
The sign up for ILP meetings will be coming out via email. I believe you should be able to see the sign up by December 8th. Please consider signing up for Thursday, Dec. 19th. I look forward to meeting with you for ILP's.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thankful
November 27, 2013
I'm thankful...it is that time of year when one day is set aside to give thanks. I'm grateful for traditions, for family, and for this great country that I live in. I'm grateful for stores with shelves stocked with pretty much everything I need including buckets of beautiful flowers and bins overflowing with vegetables and fruits available year round no matter what growing season we are in. I'm grateful for science and technology that enriches my life on a daily basis. I'm thankful for each new day and the opportunity that I have to teach children. I have especially loved our science conversations and group efforts to solve problems. It is amazing to be a part of their learning, their questions and struggles, and to witness their excitement for what is new.
I'm thankful to be here at ASU Prep! I'm grateful for students and their families, and generous, kind colleagues that are dedicated to their profession.
Thank you for making me feel welcome, for your kindness and support.
I hope you enjoy your holiday and find lots to be thankful for, too!
Wishing you well, good health, and a Happy Thanksgiving!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
I'm thankful...it is that time of year when one day is set aside to give thanks. I'm grateful for traditions, for family, and for this great country that I live in. I'm grateful for stores with shelves stocked with pretty much everything I need including buckets of beautiful flowers and bins overflowing with vegetables and fruits available year round no matter what growing season we are in. I'm grateful for science and technology that enriches my life on a daily basis. I'm thankful for each new day and the opportunity that I have to teach children. I have especially loved our science conversations and group efforts to solve problems. It is amazing to be a part of their learning, their questions and struggles, and to witness their excitement for what is new.
I'm thankful to be here at ASU Prep! I'm grateful for students and their families, and generous, kind colleagues that are dedicated to their profession.
Thank you for making me feel welcome, for your kindness and support.
I hope you enjoy your holiday and find lots to be thankful for, too!
Wishing you well, good health, and a Happy Thanksgiving!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Monday, November 25, 2013
50% off at Goodwill 11/30/13
November 25, 2013
Our Summative for 5th and 6th will be the early evening of December 10, 2013. Students are participating in a play, and they are in need of props and costumes. Their costumes need to resemble the 1770's. Shoes should be close toed. Each child's costume is specific for their character. Have a conversation with your child. If you have a question, please contact your child's first core hour teacher.
A great resource for costumes will be your own closet or head over to Goodwill and/or Savers. There are a couple of these stores on Power Road at Ray and Power at Guadalupe. It is a great deal! I hope you can make it over there.
This coming Saturday, November 30, 2013 everything in all Goodwill stores will be 50% off!!!!!
Our Summative for 5th and 6th will be the early evening of December 10, 2013. Students are participating in a play, and they are in need of props and costumes. Their costumes need to resemble the 1770's. Shoes should be close toed. Each child's costume is specific for their character. Have a conversation with your child. If you have a question, please contact your child's first core hour teacher.
A great resource for costumes will be your own closet or head over to Goodwill and/or Savers. There are a couple of these stores on Power Road at Ray and Power at Guadalupe. It is a great deal! I hope you can make it over there.
This coming Saturday, November 30, 2013 everything in all Goodwill stores will be 50% off!!!!!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Please donate canned food items!
November 19, 2013
Please donate Canned Food Items for our food drive by this Friday! The cluster that has the largest amount of donations will win FOOD! REALLY....They honestly will win a Pizza Party. Do a kind deed and receive a kindness in return. It is that time a year when we take a moment to share and to think about those who may need a little extra help. It is hard to imagine so many children in Arizona going to bed without dinner, but in 2011 our state ranked in the top 5 of states with children that didn't have enough food. Thank you in advance for helping out with our food drive. Even if the 5th and 6th grade cluster doesn't win...it was nice of you to make a donation. Thank you so much!
Please donate Canned Food Items for our food drive by this Friday! The cluster that has the largest amount of donations will win FOOD! REALLY....They honestly will win a Pizza Party. Do a kind deed and receive a kindness in return. It is that time a year when we take a moment to share and to think about those who may need a little extra help. It is hard to imagine so many children in Arizona going to bed without dinner, but in 2011 our state ranked in the top 5 of states with children that didn't have enough food. Thank you in advance for helping out with our food drive. Even if the 5th and 6th grade cluster doesn't win...it was nice of you to make a donation. Thank you so much!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Veteran's Day
November 12, 2013
Today is a cool day "NUMBER WISE". It is 11-12-13. Next year the fun date/number will be 12-13-14. One of my daughters is celebrating her 18th birthday today. It is a fun to have a birthday around a national holiday.
I also helped my 16 year old deliver US Flags for his scout troop fundraiser on Veteran's Day. I appreciated being able to be out with him in the pre-dawn hours. He made sure I didn't let the flag touch the ground...which I already knew. But I was glad to know he was thinking about showing respect for the flag. I'm grateful for the traditions that unite our country. I'm thankful for the men and women who have chosen to serve in the military and their families that support them in their efforts. I'm grateful for the freedoms that I enjoy in this great country . . . and I hope my children and their children will be able to enjoy these freedoms as well.
We don't have to serve in the military to be patriotic. Every day we have the opportunity to strengthen our country... through our choices, our actions, and our words. A good deed, a kind word goes a long way. Our 5th and 6th graders created cards and thank you notes for the veterans that come to the VA Hospital next door. I think they enjoyed the opportunity to be of service.
Thank you for all that you do to support your children's efforts. It is a pleasure to be with your children each day.
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Today is a cool day "NUMBER WISE". It is 11-12-13. Next year the fun date/number will be 12-13-14. One of my daughters is celebrating her 18th birthday today. It is a fun to have a birthday around a national holiday.
I also helped my 16 year old deliver US Flags for his scout troop fundraiser on Veteran's Day. I appreciated being able to be out with him in the pre-dawn hours. He made sure I didn't let the flag touch the ground...which I already knew. But I was glad to know he was thinking about showing respect for the flag. I'm grateful for the traditions that unite our country. I'm thankful for the men and women who have chosen to serve in the military and their families that support them in their efforts. I'm grateful for the freedoms that I enjoy in this great country . . . and I hope my children and their children will be able to enjoy these freedoms as well.
We don't have to serve in the military to be patriotic. Every day we have the opportunity to strengthen our country... through our choices, our actions, and our words. A good deed, a kind word goes a long way. Our 5th and 6th graders created cards and thank you notes for the veterans that come to the VA Hospital next door. I think they enjoyed the opportunity to be of service.
Thank you for all that you do to support your children's efforts. It is a pleasure to be with your children each day.
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Monday, November 4, 2013
Goals
November 4, 2013
Can you believe it is already November? In Science we recently talked about setting goals, because most scientists don't usually just invent some random thing. A person doesn't just become a scientist one day. At some point in their life they found a love or passion for something involving science. They set a goal, and eventually they became a scientist. At ASU PREP Academy we strive to strengthen students academics, get them thinking about competing globally, and contributing to their communities. We discussed goals in these areas, and each student was asked to write down a goal for each of these areas in their science journals.
Some might look like this:
Academics
complete my assignments on time
complete and turn in my homework
read more pages each day
read everyday
stay for math tutoring
do my best on Galileo and AIMS
Competing Globally
learn a second language
make plans to go to college
learn about other countries
Contribute to my Community
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
volunteer at a shelter
volunteer at school
help clean up trash
be kind to others
help a new student at ASU Prep
obey the laws/rules
Now is the time for students to be thinking about going to college.
Can you believe it is already November? In Science we recently talked about setting goals, because most scientists don't usually just invent some random thing. A person doesn't just become a scientist one day. At some point in their life they found a love or passion for something involving science. They set a goal, and eventually they became a scientist. At ASU PREP Academy we strive to strengthen students academics, get them thinking about competing globally, and contributing to their communities. We discussed goals in these areas, and each student was asked to write down a goal for each of these areas in their science journals.
Some might look like this:
Academics
complete my assignments on time
complete and turn in my homework
read more pages each day
read everyday
stay for math tutoring
do my best on Galileo and AIMS
Competing Globally
learn a second language
make plans to go to college
learn about other countries
Contribute to my Community
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
volunteer at a shelter
volunteer at school
help clean up trash
be kind to others
help a new student at ASU Prep
obey the laws/rules
Now is the time for students to be thinking about going to college.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Halloween memories
October 28, 2013
That time of year when leaves change colors, temperatures cool down, breezes pick up, the sun rises later and the sun sets earlier. It feels like shorter days. My memories of Halloween are about always wishing for a store bought costume but having to make my own costume, a party or carnival at school, waiting for the sun to set so we could go out, lighting the Jack O Lantern, having to eat dinner before heading out, collecting candy from neighbors I knew, and carrying around my pillowcase with enough candy to get me to Christmas. Simple times. Only kids dressed up in "kid friendly" costumes. Parents gathered on front porches and lawns to visit and catch up. This is my first year not to have a child young enough to go Trick or Treating. But, our traditions will still continue. We will set up the outdoor movie, pass out candy, ooh and aah over the costumes, and gather outside to say hello to our friends and neighbors. I hope your Halloween brings your family sweet memories! Happy Halloween!
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
That time of year when leaves change colors, temperatures cool down, breezes pick up, the sun rises later and the sun sets earlier. It feels like shorter days. My memories of Halloween are about always wishing for a store bought costume but having to make my own costume, a party or carnival at school, waiting for the sun to set so we could go out, lighting the Jack O Lantern, having to eat dinner before heading out, collecting candy from neighbors I knew, and carrying around my pillowcase with enough candy to get me to Christmas. Simple times. Only kids dressed up in "kid friendly" costumes. Parents gathered on front porches and lawns to visit and catch up. This is my first year not to have a child young enough to go Trick or Treating. But, our traditions will still continue. We will set up the outdoor movie, pass out candy, ooh and aah over the costumes, and gather outside to say hello to our friends and neighbors. I hope your Halloween brings your family sweet memories! Happy Halloween!
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Monday, October 21, 2013
Trivia Questions
October 21, 2013
Do toenails continue to grow on someone who has died?
In the olden days, did they smash up a worm, a spider, or a cockroach and put it on a tooth that was hurting?
How many pints of blood is in an average human body?
Who has more bones...a teenager, an adult, or a baby?
Do you know the answers?
Bonus points for students who bring in names of food that contain calcium but not including: milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream Due on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013 beginning of class.
Here are the answers:
No
spiders
8
a baby
Enjoy your children!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Do toenails continue to grow on someone who has died?
In the olden days, did they smash up a worm, a spider, or a cockroach and put it on a tooth that was hurting?
How many pints of blood is in an average human body?
Who has more bones...a teenager, an adult, or a baby?
Do you know the answers?
Bonus points for students who bring in names of food that contain calcium but not including: milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream Due on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013 beginning of class.
Here are the answers:
No
spiders
8
a baby
Enjoy your children!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
October 15, 2013
We are beginning this quarter with Human Body. I have posted a few supplies on my wish list that I need donated. I would be grateful if you could donate anything on the list. The supplies will go towards a couple of small projects students will be working on in class.
Thanks in advance for your donations!
Mrs. Biggs
We are beginning this quarter with Human Body. I have posted a few supplies on my wish list that I need donated. I would be grateful if you could donate anything on the list. The supplies will go towards a couple of small projects students will be working on in class.
Thanks in advance for your donations!
Mrs. Biggs
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Who Said That?
October 3, 2013
Happy Birthday to me! If today was my 29th birthday it would actually mean I've finished 29 years and today is the first day of my 30th year. I always find that interesting.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
An old but GREAT saying that goes right along with RECYCLING:
"Use it up...Wear it out...Make it do...Or do without"
Happy Birthday to me! If today was my 29th birthday it would actually mean I've finished 29 years and today is the first day of my 30th year. I always find that interesting.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
An old but GREAT saying that goes right along with RECYCLING:
"Use it up...Wear it out...Make it do...Or do without"
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
More Wrong Than Right
October 2, 2013
Scientists often get more wrong than right when experimenting, but that is where so much learning and growth takes place. We all want to be successful! Scientists have to be willing to follow the rules but also be willing to learn from their mistakes. How long have scientists been searching for a cure to cancer? They learn from every experiment, every test, every trial...day after day, week after week, year after year. Our young scientists in 5th and 6th grade had awesome experiments that they shared! Thank you for supporting their efforts at home! It is a valuable experience to have experiments not turn out the way we hoped/expected/planned/hypothesized. Thank you for helping them think outside the box and ask why not? What could I have done differently? How were my procedures? What other question should I be asking? Looking forward to 2nd Quarter Science! Human Body, Cells, Solar System.
Be safe out there!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Scientists often get more wrong than right when experimenting, but that is where so much learning and growth takes place. We all want to be successful! Scientists have to be willing to follow the rules but also be willing to learn from their mistakes. How long have scientists been searching for a cure to cancer? They learn from every experiment, every test, every trial...day after day, week after week, year after year. Our young scientists in 5th and 6th grade had awesome experiments that they shared! Thank you for supporting their efforts at home! It is a valuable experience to have experiments not turn out the way we hoped/expected/planned/hypothesized. Thank you for helping them think outside the box and ask why not? What could I have done differently? How were my procedures? What other question should I be asking? Looking forward to 2nd Quarter Science! Human Body, Cells, Solar System.
Be safe out there!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Monday, September 30, 2013
How long does it stay in the landfill?
September 30, 2013
Last week we talked a lot about the "Human Footprint" we are leaving on the earth. It is amazing all the things we dump in our regular trash that could be RECYCLED instead. I hope your families are actively RECYCLING, REDUCING, and REUSING. Here are some interesting statistics:
Items in our trash Time it takes to decompose
bananas 3-4 weeks
paper bags 1 month
cotton cloths 5 months
wool socks 1 year
cigarette butt 2-5 years
leather boot 40-50 years
rubber sole of boot 50-80 years
tin can 80-100 years
aluminum cans 200-500 years
plastic soda rings 450 years
plastic bottles/jugs 1 million
styrofoam cups unknown/forever
glass bottles unknown/forever
Please take a moment and RECYCLE items before you put them in the regular trash.
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Last week we talked a lot about the "Human Footprint" we are leaving on the earth. It is amazing all the things we dump in our regular trash that could be RECYCLED instead. I hope your families are actively RECYCLING, REDUCING, and REUSING. Here are some interesting statistics:
Items in our trash Time it takes to decompose
bananas 3-4 weeks
paper bags 1 month
cotton cloths 5 months
wool socks 1 year
cigarette butt 2-5 years
leather boot 40-50 years
rubber sole of boot 50-80 years
tin can 80-100 years
aluminum cans 200-500 years
plastic soda rings 450 years
plastic bottles/jugs 1 million
styrofoam cups unknown/forever
glass bottles unknown/forever
Please take a moment and RECYCLE items before you put them in the regular trash.
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Does the color affect the heat?
September 22, 2013
Does the color you wear affect how hot you feel? After our experiment we determined that yes, lighter colors are cooler than darker colors. The darker cars in the parking lot also measure warmer than the lighter colored cars. The kids were excited to see the change in temperature. We used an infrared thermometer that I bought from Harbor Freight.
We also watched an interesting MythBusters about Diet Coke and Mentos. Jaime and Adam did an excellent job exploring/investigating this experiment.
Do you know which direction of the sky to find the sunset or does it matter where you are located? Do you know how long it takes for sunlight to reach the earth? Do you know which planet has a year equal to 88 days? Waxing or waning - which makes the moon appear bigger as the nights go by?
If you work in the field of science and would like to come in to speak to one/all of our classes about what you do please contact me!
ruth.biggs@asu.edu
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Does the color you wear affect how hot you feel? After our experiment we determined that yes, lighter colors are cooler than darker colors. The darker cars in the parking lot also measure warmer than the lighter colored cars. The kids were excited to see the change in temperature. We used an infrared thermometer that I bought from Harbor Freight.
We also watched an interesting MythBusters about Diet Coke and Mentos. Jaime and Adam did an excellent job exploring/investigating this experiment.
Do you know which direction of the sky to find the sunset or does it matter where you are located? Do you know how long it takes for sunlight to reach the earth? Do you know which planet has a year equal to 88 days? Waxing or waning - which makes the moon appear bigger as the nights go by?
If you work in the field of science and would like to come in to speak to one/all of our classes about what you do please contact me!
ruth.biggs@asu.edu
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
September 17, 2013
Have you had a chance to speak to your children about science and technology and how things have changed since you were "younger"?
Be sure to buy your trifold poster board. This final science project is DUE Monday, September 30, 2013. You will be glad you have it. Also, make sure you have all of those supplies you may need to make your board an awesome representation of your experiment. Ink for the printer, markers, pencils, colored paper, photos, glue, white-out, tape, paint, scissors, and all of your data/notes. Good Luck! I can't wait to see the finished projects!
Have you had a chance to speak to your children about science and technology and how things have changed since you were "younger"?
Be sure to buy your trifold poster board. This final science project is DUE Monday, September 30, 2013. You will be glad you have it. Also, make sure you have all of those supplies you may need to make your board an awesome representation of your experiment. Ink for the printer, markers, pencils, colored paper, photos, glue, white-out, tape, paint, scissors, and all of your data/notes. Good Luck! I can't wait to see the finished projects!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
S'More Science
September 15, 2013
Hello Families!
Get ready for a busy week! We will be reviewing and learning a little more about colors and temperatures. We will be planning on how to build our solar ovens. And, the best part of all, we will be cooking in our solar ovens by Thursday. I need supplies for each class! I need 2 volunteers to each bring 4 regular size Hershey Chocolate Bars, 2 volunteers to each bring 2 boxes of Honey Graham Crackers, 1 volunteer to bring 2 bags of mini marshmallows
I will be checking off and signing My Science Experiment on Wednesday. Please check the "Due Dates May Appear Closer Than They Really Are" page.
We will be updating our science journals this week, working outside in the grassy area during science, and we will be on computers on Friday.
If you come across interesting science information please share it with your child. Have a discussion with your child about science and science technology and how things have changed since you were "younger".
Thank you for supporting your child and encouraging them to learn more about the world we live in!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Hello Families!
Get ready for a busy week! We will be reviewing and learning a little more about colors and temperatures. We will be planning on how to build our solar ovens. And, the best part of all, we will be cooking in our solar ovens by Thursday. I need supplies for each class! I need 2 volunteers to each bring 4 regular size Hershey Chocolate Bars, 2 volunteers to each bring 2 boxes of Honey Graham Crackers, 1 volunteer to bring 2 bags of mini marshmallows
I will be checking off and signing My Science Experiment on Wednesday. Please check the "Due Dates May Appear Closer Than They Really Are" page.
We will be updating our science journals this week, working outside in the grassy area during science, and we will be on computers on Friday.
If you come across interesting science information please share it with your child. Have a discussion with your child about science and science technology and how things have changed since you were "younger".
Thank you for supporting your child and encouraging them to learn more about the world we live in!
Yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Free Arizona Science Center
September 10, 2013
Hello Families!
A couple of reminders . . .
Please send in BOX TOPS by Friday September 13, 2013.
Also, The Arizona Science Center is FREE Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15, during the Never Stop Wondering Weekend event. See the 300 exhibits, watch demonstrations and get discounts on IMAX films and planetarium presentations.
600 E. Washington St. Phoenix
602-716-2000
http://www.azscience.org/who_are_you/this_month_at_the_center
Hello Families!
A couple of reminders . . .
Please send in BOX TOPS by Friday September 13, 2013.
Also, The Arizona Science Center is FREE Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15, during the Never Stop Wondering Weekend event. See the 300 exhibits, watch demonstrations and get discounts on IMAX films and planetarium presentations.
600 E. Washington St. Phoenix
602-716-2000
http://www.azscience.org/who_are_you/this_month_at_the_center
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Science Journals and Scientific Inquiry
Hello Science Families,
We have been working on scientific inquiry. We have been talking about and practicing making observations and gaining evidence. We discuss thinking creatively, new ideas, and we review these agains the evidence. We have also been working on inquiry questions. We are thinking about how to test ideas and identifying factors that are relevant to our questions.
We have been working in our science journals. We are completing all of our science work in class. This past week we have been investigating gum. We made observations, we recorded data, we talked about our constants, variables, and we asked what new questions do we have?
This next week of September 9 - September 13 we will be designing our own experiments using the shoe boxes. We will be using thermometers to help us make predictions. We will be researching some ideas to help guide us as we write a hypothesis. Then, we will be building with our shoe boxes and running the experiment. I know I am being vague, because I want to tell the students on Monday what we will be doing!
I hope you had a great weekend. Please be watching for The Scientific Method Experiment timeline and directions to be coming home!
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
We have been working on scientific inquiry. We have been talking about and practicing making observations and gaining evidence. We discuss thinking creatively, new ideas, and we review these agains the evidence. We have also been working on inquiry questions. We are thinking about how to test ideas and identifying factors that are relevant to our questions.
We have been working in our science journals. We are completing all of our science work in class. This past week we have been investigating gum. We made observations, we recorded data, we talked about our constants, variables, and we asked what new questions do we have?
This next week of September 9 - September 13 we will be designing our own experiments using the shoe boxes. We will be using thermometers to help us make predictions. We will be researching some ideas to help guide us as we write a hypothesis. Then, we will be building with our shoe boxes and running the experiment. I know I am being vague, because I want to tell the students on Monday what we will be doing!
I hope you had a great weekend. Please be watching for The Scientific Method Experiment timeline and directions to be coming home!
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Monday, September 2, 2013
Science is AWESOME...
September 3, 2013
One of the greatest things about science is that it is all around us. It makes our life easier and more enjoyable. It can save our life. Sometime science will bring a smile to our face or a question to our mind. Science makes us think about the world around us. We are naturally curious and ask the question "why" and then we look for the answer. 5th and 6th graders are great at asking the "why" questions. We will be working on solving the "why" and be proactive in the classroom answering those "why" questions. I try very hard not to tell students the answers, because they are already so smart and either have the answers or know how to find them. It is great for them to search for the answers and talk to each other to find an answer or solution. I want them to think outside of the box when their solutions don't solve the puzzle. I want them asking "what can I do differently?" "what am I not seeing?" "what does my neighbor know about the problem?"
It is a small and amazing planet that we live on! I'm looking forward to a great year of exploring the science that is all around us!
If you or someone you know works in a science field and would be willing to come in, help out ,or share with our class your science job ... we would love to have you! Please contact me so we can talk about it.
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
One of the greatest things about science is that it is all around us. It makes our life easier and more enjoyable. It can save our life. Sometime science will bring a smile to our face or a question to our mind. Science makes us think about the world around us. We are naturally curious and ask the question "why" and then we look for the answer. 5th and 6th graders are great at asking the "why" questions. We will be working on solving the "why" and be proactive in the classroom answering those "why" questions. I try very hard not to tell students the answers, because they are already so smart and either have the answers or know how to find them. It is great for them to search for the answers and talk to each other to find an answer or solution. I want them to think outside of the box when their solutions don't solve the puzzle. I want them asking "what can I do differently?" "what am I not seeing?" "what does my neighbor know about the problem?"
It is a small and amazing planet that we live on! I'm looking forward to a great year of exploring the science that is all around us!
If you or someone you know works in a science field and would be willing to come in, help out ,or share with our class your science job ... we would love to have you! Please contact me so we can talk about it.
yours in science,
Mrs. Biggs
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)