Upcoming Science of Tie Dye

Next week, students will learn the in-depth level of the science that takes place during tie dye.  From covalent bonds to negatively and possitively charged molecules, students will walk away from our lesson on Tuesday understanding the importance of why we need natural fibers for this process instead of synthetic ones. 

Then, on Thursday, the class will put the science to work while they tie dye their own item.  Many have ordered lab coats to dye, while others are bringing in an old (or new) shirt, pairs of socks, a sweater, etc to brighten up.  On Friday, the class will assist their kinderbuddy in the same process.

If students or families wish to do more tie dye, Monday the 21st and Tuesday the 22nd is the perfect time.  Outside our classroom families can show up after school to tie dye anything their heart desires.  Prices have been posted on posters around the school (as some items soak up much more dye).  I know I will be making many Christmas presents during this time (beach towels come out great).

Eerie Stories

     Written by a student in Dr. Brock's Class-

     Last week everyone wrote eerie stories. Then we read our original eerie stories to the class. Dr. Brock made one too. He made a campfire for us to read around. We all brought flashlights. Someone brought a flashlight that goes on and off. We read a few stories then it was recess. Then Dr. Brock put black paper on the windows to darken the room even more. Then the rest of the people read their stories. Then Dr. Brock read his.

Art

Written by Kaziah Dutt

Our class did art last Thursday. We painted jars orange and then added a face with yellow paint. It was really fun! Chris’ older sister, Melinda, was the one who taught the lesson. She read us an Irish myth about how the jack-o-lantern was created. The finished product was a jack-o-lantern jar. I lit mine at home and put it out for decoration.

UNR Engineering School Visits

Today three students from the College of Engineering visited our class to do a science lab on earthquakes and foundations.  Students learned the basics about the best foundations for building upon.  In addition, they learned the difference between S-waves and P-waves.  Basically, students built structures out of sugar cubes and tested them on shaker tables (representing an earthquake) for stability.  Students were able to see which foundations under their structure worked best. These UNR students were fantastic, positive role models which were also to excite the students about possible future careers in engineering.

Pumpkins, Scarecrows, Cookies and More!

By Chris Chemor

Dr. Brock’s 5^th Grade

Jessie Beck Elementary School’s playground was packed with parents, students, teachers, volunteers, and scarecrows on Friday.

“The scarecrow festival is my favorite event because of the pies!” said Ethan Swanson, 5^th grader.

It is a time when kids can hang out with their friends and family at school.

“I love the scarecrow contest because I get to hang out with my friends.” Anthony Rios, 5^th grader said.

Every class puts together a scarecrow each year, but students can also work with friends and families on their own scarecrows.

Students are judged on creativity, theme and looks.

Walking through the maze of scarecrows, you never know what kind of scarecrow you will see                      next.

There was an Einstein scarecrow made by Mrs. Thaxton’s Fifth Grade Class, with Einstein’s tongue sticking out of the pumpkin, like the famous picture.

“Einstein was my favorite scarecrow because it made me think.” said Ms. Bland, 6^th grade teacher.

The Scarecrow that stood out the most to me was the giant one that was at least 8 feet tall. It looked like a real scarecrow that might come to life at any time.

Some of the scarecrows that won prizes had used the class as part of the theme of the scarecrow; they would have a main scarecrow and lots of mini scarecrows that would be the kids in the class.

Dr. Brock’s fifth grade class put a lot of time and effort into our scarecrow. Our scarecrow was a tribute to the famous Native American leader Crazy Horse.

It may not have been the favorite, it did not win any prizes but our class worked hard on it and put a lot of time and care into making him. His face was hand drawn, and we researched about his awesome life as a great warrior and leader.

As for the scarecrow festival, even if you don’t win, it’s still a really fun time for everyone…and there is always next year.

Halloween-Dry Ice Lab

The day after Halloween, our science lab focused on a substance often seen around this holiday, dry ice.  Students carefully observed it both in and out of water and connected their observations to states of matter, including sublimation and deposition.  They learned: how it was made, what it was made out of, how many soft drink companies carbonate their beverages, and how dry ice often forms over the water ice on the poles of Mars.

On another note, soon we will be exploring the science behind tie dye.  We are in need of ziplock bags (gallon size), latex gloves, lots of newspaper, and empty 2 liter bottles.