Friday, October 31, 2008

Gathering Data From Students

Edison students have been busy learning and are wrapping up the first quarter. One of the ways teachers can assess student learning is with Classroom Response Systems, or "clickers".

Each student is assigned a clicker that communicates back to the teacher computer wirelessly. A test is projected onto the SMARTBoard, the students make their choices, and their answers are recorded. The teacher is then able to analyze that data, adjust instruction if necessary, and provide data to administration.

The clickers are one more example of using technology to engage students in the learning process. Students have been gathering data throughout the quarter, and now they are excited to give data back to their teachers in a new and fun way!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

1st Grade Pumpkin Seed Counting

Two of our first grade teachers brought their classes together for a messy and fun counting activity. There's nothing like putting your hands down inside a slimey pumpkin and pulling the seeds out!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

3rd Grade Visits Gene the Pumpkin Man

The entire third grade took a field trip to see Gene the Pumpkin Man this week! Gene is a local farming legend, having been in business for 51 years. He was also recently recognized with an award from the Farm Bureau. His pumpkin farm has been in his family since the late 1880's when his grandfather started it.

We learned many things from Gene. Did you know there are the same number of seeds in a small pumpkin as there are in a large one? Pumpkins don't grow as well when there is too much rain. We were learning about scarcity and surplus as Gene explained that some years he grows more pumpkins than others. Scarcity can affect the prices people pay at the store.

Here is a video of our trip to Gene the Pumpkin man. Thanks again, Gene!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Recycling with Art

Fourth grade students recycled old jeans from home into book bags for the back of their classroom chairs. Recycling is good for the environment and can be fun and useful!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Fish Hatchery Video

Here is a video from our field trip to the fish hatchery.



Friday, October 3, 2008

Fish Hatchery Field Trip

The entire first grade went to the fish hatchery this week. There was a lot of learning happening there and back at the classroom as Edison students were able to see firsthand part of the life cycle of fish in Michigan.

Each year in October, the people from the hatchery collect eggs and milt from the fish in their native habitat. Then they put the two together so that little fish are made. Different fish are treated in different ways as they incubate. Some do better in warmer water while some do better in colder water.

We learned that fish are an important part of our environment and our economy in Michigan. Fish contribute to the health of lakes and streams, but they are also popular for sport fishing, which affects our state economy.




After our trip to the fish hatchery, we came back to school and enjoyed a wonderful lunch as we discussed all the things we learned. Fish are important to Michigan and we need to take care of them!