Expedition Express

What’s the Matter in Mrs. Welch’s Room – Case Study #1: This Case Study has come to a conclusion and students are beginning to write a fictional narrative on the life of a water drop as it changes into the 3 states of matter through its journey. The students have learned quite a bit of information and love sharing their knowledge…..especially with adults. Feel free to ask your child some of these questions to spark conversations about learning in the classroom.

Questions of the Week:

  • What is matter?
  • What are the most common kinds of matter on earth?
  • Is air matter?
  • Why do we put liquid in a container?
  • What happens when ice melts?
  • How do puddles disappear on a hot sunny day?
  • Why does water form on the outside of a glass of lemonade?

Energy Explorations – Case Study #2: Our second case study is loaded with hands-on science labs exploring the energy in sound, light, and heat. Students have been very excited to learn about the invisible sound waves that surround us every day to make different noises in our environment. Students are following the Scientific Method to explore these concepts in experiments designed to help gain a deeper understanding of the different types of energy in our world.

Crew News

Goal Setting Conferences: This week we will be revisiting our goals set earlier in the year to see how well we did to meet the academic and social goals set forth by our crew. These conferences are scheduled for 20 minutes and are meant to touch base and determine if the fall goals were met and set new goals for the spring. Please come prepared and on time as there is no wiggle room for late arrivals.

Get in the Act: Following Spring Break, our crew will be using theater in the classroom to learn more about our Science Expedition. During our Monday afternoon enrichment block, students will work with a program designed to get students learning through theater. This will be a great addition to our Energy Expedition currently happening in the classroom.

CST Preparation: Yes, it’s that time of year. Time to start talking about the California Standards Test that will be administered to all 2nd – 6th grade students at SELS in early May. This will be the first year for 2nd graders taking this test. 2nd grade will test in English-Language Arts and Math skills while 3rd grade will test in English-Language Arts, Math, Reading Skills and Spelling. To demystify the test and reduce anxiety, please look at the released test questions at the California Department of Education website:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/css05rtq.asp

Scroll down and click on the questions for your grade level. Questions are available for every grade and tested subject.

Dates to Remember:

  • Tuesday, March 27: Walk to Nevada County Library
  • March 28 and April 10: Informational meetings about SELS
  • March 28 – 29:  Goal Setting Conferences
  • Friday, March 30: Community Meeting 9:15 – 10:30: A performance, “Student Expressions of Health Rhythms Drum Beats, the Elements,” wo;; highlight the completion of a 5 week enrichment block.
  • April 2 – 6: Spring Break, NO SCHOOL
  • April 9: SELS Board Meeting in M-4, 5:30 – 8:30
  • April 11: Applications for 2012-2013 lottery due
  • April 17: SELS Lottery