The LNS Junior Odyssey has been very busy these past weeks. First, we have
enjoyed having Mrs. Diaz as a level 3 Intern from USF. She is working closely
with Mrs. Blaszczyk during our Reading classes. She has added many creative
teaching ideas to spark the imaginations of our young learners.
Our team integrated the book, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, across
the curriculum. The students had fun being creative in reading, science,
writing and art using the literary elements from this story. We were able to
travel to Sarasota to see the movie in 3D as a team field trip. What an
adventure!
In science class, with Mrs. Schenke, the students made roller coasters
using foam tubing. They tested their looping creations using marbles. They
had so much fun exploring kinetic energy in this exciting way!
Since we have been learning all about energy and motion, we are looking
forward to our November 2 field trip to the Van Wezel to see “Newton’s
Revenge” performed by the Mad Science Group. This production illustrates to
students what science is really all about and that it truly is a part of our
everyday lives. The play follows the National Science Education Standards
and is a basic introduction to three of Sir Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion.
In lab, with Mrs. Lowe, the students have been participating in the Math
Mania Challenge. This is a state wide competition where our students tested
their math skills against other students across Florida. In social studies,
the students enjoyed creating elevation maps out of plaster.
We have also had a blast in reading class. The students enjoyed reading
their AR books in the dark using only flashlights and book lights to see. We
all got to take turns reading with throw pillows in these large plastic
bubbles. What fun! Our third graders are reading The Wizard of Oz which will
be followed by a hands-on center rotation. The activities used in these
centers will be an integrated thematic unit with games, music, and art from
all of our core subjects. The fourth grade class is looking forward to
starting Beauty and the Beast using similar activities. Our fifth graders are
finishing up Homer’s classic The Odyssey and will soon start reading another
classic, Mark Twain’s, Tom Sawyer. This story will come to life through
reenactments, role playing, and reader’s theater.
It is hard to believe we are half way through the first semester of this
exciting school year. We have been so busy that time is just flying by. We
are looking forward to part two of this semester with our wonderful team,
Junior Odyssey.
*More Sea Camp information will be coming home with the 5th graders soon.