This week I gave some free choice engineering or art activities to work on that are fall or Halloween themed. I will often give a variety of choices, because (a) I want the students to have an opportunity for creative thinking, and (b) I do not know what supplies you have on hand. If a student or family is overwhelmed already, a drawing of an idea - or even an audio or video in Seesaw for TK-2 of their idea is perfectly fine. I do want to offer the inventive opportunities - I have seen some really amazing work and the videos are very endearing!
We will start working on nature journaling/science observations this coming week. This will go hand-in-hand, coincidentally, with a art contest that is sponsored by the Zoo. I will talk about that this week as well. The information is here: https://sites.google.com/sandi.net/sdusdvoices/challenges/nature-in-your-neighborhood-art-challenge
For nature journaling/observations, I recommend plain paper or a sketch book. There are many adults who do nature journals and use watercolor, so if a student wants to try that, I recommend getting a set of inexpensive watercolors and to use sheets of paper OR a sketch book designed for mixed media. Using the science notebook that students should have received at the beginning of the year is perfectly fine if that is all you have on hand. Students do need crayons or colored pencils (preferred for details, especially for 2nd+).
Students should gather some nature objects for this coming week - plant parts of any kind, rocks, or shells.
TK-2 will post a photo of their page in Seesaw.
3rd-5th will post a photo (+, camera, hold the paper up, take a photo) in their Digital Science Notebook on Book Creator. I will also give them the option of Google Slides this week. I did conduct a poll with the students, and most preferred Book Creator, but want to offer the Google Slide option for those that find it easier to work with.
2nd grade can continue to experiment and explore with Book Creator and will try to post a photo of their nature journal pages there as well, but I recognize that this is a platform that some are really taking on well, and others may be struggling with, so I am going to make it optional.
If students are needing help with something, especially tech help, I can set up individual or small group appointments on MWF at 11:10. Please encourage them to advocate for themselves by staying on at the end of class or messaging me in Seesaw or Google Classroom.
