More on Tsunamis

This is a video I found posted on the ReadySanDiego Facebook page:


And here is a link to a video from BrainPop: http://www.brainpop.com/science/earthsystem/tsunami/

San Diego Science Festival

This event snuck up on me again... I'm sorry for bringing it to you at the last minute! Here's some information about the event from La Jolla Light:
The San Diego Science Festival, the largest celebration of science on the West Coast, returns this March with content-rich, interactive learning experiences for kids of all ages.
Bringing together hundreds of innovative local organizations and individuals, the San Diego Science Festival demonstrates that careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are accessible and exciting pathways to a better future. This festival starts on March 19 and culminates with EXPO DAY at PETCO Park on March 26.

And here's a direct link to the KidZone where you find videos, a great science song and a quiz about the our earth...

I scored 75% - can you beat me? :)

Secret Codes

For this week's spelling practice, I've added a new box to the Tic-Tac-Toe board that allows the children to write their words in secret code. I have provided a couple of coded alphabets but they are welcome to create their own or use others that they find.

For more fun with cryptology, check out these websites:

 

Cryptokids from the National Security Agency

Secret Messages for Kids ONLY from thunk.com

 

Spy Kids on The Youth Online Club

Cypher Wheel from Top Spy Secrets

Family Movie Event Today!

We have been studying about living things and have become very interested in learning more about endangered species. We are especially interested in the problems facing lions and have been talking about the National Geographic film, The Last Lions, anxiously waiting for it to come to San Diego.

The Landmark Theater in Hillcrest will be showing the film from March 11-17 but because the show times weren't available until Tuesday, it wasn't possible for us to go see it on a field trip. I thought we might try meeting at the theater on Saturday for a family movie event! The movie is rated PG and should be great for most ages.

If you are busy and can't make it, no problem, but if you'd like to join us, we will be going today, Saturday, March 12 at 2:15. Hope to see you there!

What causes an earthquake? What exactly is a tsunami?

The kids had lots of questions about the news out of Japan this morning. I spoke to each child who brought it up, trying to reassure them and listening to their concerns but we didn't have a class discussion about it yet. We will talk about it next week after I've had a chance to pull together some resources. In the meantime, here are two videos from National Geographic that help explain about  earthquakes and tsunamis.

Tide Pools

We are currently working on a habitat project and these are some links for one of my groups... :)

http://42explore.com/tidepool.htm
http://www.seaworld.org/wild-world/ecosystems/info-books/tide-pools/intertidal-ecology.htm
Explorations
http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23926

More Fluency Practice

For details about the importance of fluency practice, see this previous post.

Do you know what is meant by balance of nature? When nature is in balance, living things have plenty to eat and homes in which to sleep. When nature is out of balance, animals find surviving hard. A balance in nature is best and it is something we can all work toward.

It was a few hours before dawn in the forest. The dew seemed cool to the squirrels as they scampered around the trees. The birds woke as the first hues of sunlight struck the leaves. It’s a peaceful morning in this wildlife forest.

We have been learning about the importance of balance in nature. In “Wolf Island,” the wolves left the island for a new home. When the wolves left it disrupted, or threw off, the balance of nature. There were too few wolves to keep the population of other animals down, and there was not enough food for all of the animals. Nature requires balance to thrive.

Animals learn to adapt to their habitats. We have read about animals that adapt to life in trees, about a family of ducks that adapts to a big city, and about wolves that move from one place to another. Natural wonders are all around us. If we respect and protect nature, it will continue to amaze us.

Kids' Meal Toy Debate

In this week's edition of TFK features a debate that has been argued in the media for months ~ Should toys be banned from Happy Meals? I will be asking the kids to choose a side and write about their opinion this week.

The teacher's guide mentioned a website that provides great information about food nutrition and food marketing to children, Fast Food Facts. We will be talking about this in class as well.

Upcoming Events ~ Science

The New Children's Museum

Learn from Dr. Zoolittle. At a special animal presentation on March 19, discover how researchers at the San Diego Zoo are making important strides in preserving habitats and wildlife around the world. Dr. Zoolittle includes the entire family in an exploration of disappearing wildlife as kids help solve the mystery of one amazing animal.

For more information, click here and then click on the bottom half of the box for March 19th.

We have been excitedly awaiting the release of this movie! The Landmark Theater in Hillcrest will be showing it beginning on March 11. I contacted the theater and it looks like they will only show it through Thursday, March 17. Show times will be not be available until Tuesday, March 8 so that makes it difficult to plan a study trip to go see it during school hours.
As an alternative, I thought we could meet there on Saturday, March 12. Once I have confirmation about the times, I will put out the word and if your family is available, maybe you all can join us! Stay tuned...