Weekly Updates
Preschool / Spark Studio (PS) Update
Pet’s Galore!
The PS Eagles were all aflutter to learn that they would be housing a little zoo at home as we head back into 2 weeks of MCO. 3 pets went home with them … a Betta fish (fight fish), a cute baby chick and some wriggly mealworms.
The Cycle of Life
Some of the pets died during their stay with the PS Eagles, notable the Betta fish and the Mealworms. Happily the baby chicks are doing well and thriving. They will soon grow into full chickens … watch out!
The PS Eagles saw that dying is a part of a pet’s life that a pet owner has to come to accept. It was a valuable, albeit difficult lesson.
Montessori Cultural – Animal Kingdom
The Eagles were given an Orange Observation Booklet in which to jot down/draw/journal their observations of their pets. They observed everything from what they preferred to eat to their sleeping habits. The art of observation was a challenge for the Eagles and it was good practice in diligence and patience.
Friday Art Pack (Build a Bird Feeder)
The Eagles were given craft sticks, string and gum and the instructions to build their very own bird feeder.
Quest Time Quotes
AS – My fish and one of my worms died. I think I gave my fish too much food.
AA – Now I know why daddy and mummy won’t let us have pets … so may things to do! (She was then asked if she was ready for pets) Yes! Only fish!
SY – Mama, chicks lift their wings up when they poo poo!
OR – (When asked if she can help care for her pets) Not really. (When asked what her job was, then) You can do it. My job is to watch them.
AR – My pets are still alive.
SO – My fish died.
Special Celebrations
PS Eagles SA celebrated her mom’s birthday by following an elaborate schedule last week.
Elementary Studio (ES) Update
Back to a Virtual Studio
It’s back to a virtual Studio again, for the ES, but learning goes on regardless. The Studio was all engines go, making sure that the Eagles had the tools and ingredients that they needed to continue the cooking and experimentation at home.
Atomic Models and Water
It’s fascinating that,when you stare at some water, you never imagine what it’s made of. The ES Eagles discovered what goes on in water on a molecular level.
Shake It Off (Ice-Cream in a Bag)
The cooking challenge this week was to make ice-cream in a bag … in case you ever need ice-cream on camp. The Eagles explored the transformation from liquid to solid (and back again), and the chemical reactions that occur when you shake certain ingredients together.
The Eagles shared:
Eagle 1: “I learned that I needed to shake the bag really hard, but not too hard.”
Eagle 2: “I need to prepare. I didn’t have ice.”
Eagle 3: “I placed the ice in the wrong bag at first, then I learned that I needed to put the milk into the other bag, and ice in that bag.”
Eagle 4: “It gets REALLY REALLY COLD, I can’t hold the bag.”
Parent: I was cooking when my Eagle was doing the challenge. If I got involved, I’d start making suggestions …”
Awesome week, Eagles! Looking forward to next week.
