February 2024:
STREAM - Animal Communication
In 1st grade, we have been busy researching how animals survive and the body parts they use for various tasks. Using Pebble Go, we learned four ways animals express themselves, including auditory, visual, tactile and chemical communication.
As part of a larger project-based learning unit, students where asked to create a Lego WeDo 2.0 robot rattlesnake. The snakes included an infrared sensor, a motor and their realistic rattle recording. Young scientist engineered and coded their robot to sense danger lurking nearby. If movement was detected, the snake warned other animals with its rattle before striking with its fangs. This activity required teamwork, critical thinking and communication.
Art
First graders are creating watercolor sand castles! They will first draw the sand castles in pencil, then trace with black oil pastel, and finally paint them using watercolor paint!
Physical Education
February is American Heart Month. This is when we focus on our heart and its health by doing cardio exercises like jump roping! Students are learning the basics of jump roping and a variety of jump rope tricks.
Media Center*
We've entered one of the most exciting times of the year for our students in the library: California Young Reader Medal time! Each year, Solana Vista students share their voice by choosing the California Young Reader Medal primary picture book of the year. Our kiddos love the fact that this is a student-driven literature award, and adults don't get a say!
State-wide, five picture book nominees are chosen by committee, and are then read aloud in school libraries. At Solana Vista, students log their opinions of each picture book nominee using either an emoji or stars rating system. Our 2nd and 3rd graders also add opinion sentences to remind them what they thought of each nominee. After each class has experienced each book nominee, which takes a few weeks, students then "voice their vote" for the book they enjoyed the most. Votes are combined with those across the state of California, with the medal being awarded on May 1, 2024. Which book will win the hearts of our young readers this year? We'll have to wait until May to find out!
To view past nominees, winners, and get a sneak peek of next year's nominees, visit: https://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org/nominees. Be sure to note the categories of nominations under each title, as categories stretch from primary age to young adult.
(Pictured below: A sample of our 2nd graders voicing their vote using the Seesaw App!)
Music*
First grade is starting work towards our upcoming First Grade Spring Show, which will be in April. Songs, instrument parts and movement all about springtime. We are even learning a song in Spanish. First graders love singing and playing together!
Discovery Labs are made possible by YOU! To make your donation to the Solana Beach Schools Foundation, visit our home page and click the Donate button.
*Not supported by your donations to the Solana Beach Schools Foundation.
Comments