Testing Schedule

Earth's Layers

Layers of the Earth

In our previous science and social studies units, students in 3K talked about the landforms and water above ground. Now we're exploring Planet Earth below the surface. After learning about the different layers of the Earth, kids used play dough to model the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. Then, they used markers to draw the different tectonic plates on the crust. 

A big thank you goes out to all those who made and brought in the play dough for our project! 

Each group started with the four different layers of the Earth

Students rolled the inner core into a ball and then wrapped it with the red outer core

Another group wrapping the outer core around the inner core

Then, students rolled out the orange mantle and blue crust

Finally, the outer crust was wrapped around the mantle

The 12 major plates were also drawn on the crust

And there you have it, the finished product!

Another group showing off their Earth 

The plates on the the Earth's crust are responsible for many natural disasters. Pick one of the disasters we covered in class (earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis) and explain in detail how it happens in the comment section below. 

Raffle Items

Math Boot Camp

I know it may seem hard to believe, but it's this point in the year that we start reviewing for the upcoming Dakota STEP test. Starting in 3rd grade, students across the state will take standardized tests in reading and math in early April. 

As you're all aware, we switched to a new math curriculum this year. This program is much more hands on and inquiry-based, meaning our day to day math does not necessary look like a standardized test. Therefore, I think it's important for students to review some of the math material that we've covered  in a format that will be similar to the upcoming Dakota STEP test. I sifted through the 3rd grade skills on IXL and pulled a few that would be great review.

TASK: For the next three weeks, I'd like students to log on to IXL at home and practice some of the skills below. I will send home a paper copy so students can track their progress. As an extra little incentive, I will award one classroom fry for every mastered skill :)

www.ixl.com

Student Log-In Exmple: John Doe

Username: johndoe123

Password: cub

Water Cycle Posters

Students in 3K just wrapped up their two-week mini-unit on the water cycle. Instead of a formal paper and pencil assessment, students worked in groups to display their understanding of the different stages (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection) of the water cycle in a large poster. 

Group One

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

3K Storybirds