Geometry Coming to a Close

This week we will conclude our geometry unit, where students analyzed 2-D shapes based on their attributes. Our task today, one of the final tasks, was to create a hierarchy diagram which started with "polygons" at the initial title and then broke down into "triangles" and "quadrilaterals". They had many different categories to sort and the activity took lots of thinking, analyzing, and resorting. We had a very high success with this activity.

Solar Eclipse

Today we took advantage of the partial solar eclipse that was seen in the Reno area. We observed it at different times to learn how eclipses change. We went through two scenarios using students as the sun, earth and moon to further understand how eclipses form.

Geometry

In math we have been focusing on geometry. Fifth grade spends much time going deep into classifying figures based upon their attributes. We have been analyzing and sorting triangles based upon two different characteristics: angles and sides. Today, students worked in groups to name several triangles and then PROVE why it is that type. Great discussions abounded in class as students shared how they determined angles and length of sides with various tools they chose to use.

The Best Day so Far!

Today was amazing. The weather was the best and the class hit the most challenging and rewarding challenges. The support that was seen in encouragement from students as another child tried to climb the Alpine Tower was nothing but supportive. Students who at first thought they wouldn't even attempt the tower ended up battling their way to the top. So much to be proud of today. Down at the pond, the sunny weather allowed more time to investigate and learn about macro invertebrates. With a fresh baked cookie served for snack at 4:30, free time is now taking place. Soccer, crafts and more abound.

Beginning of Day Three

We woke up to fog this morning, which made the walk to our french toast breakfast beautiful. Campers crashed asleep quickly last night and most cabins slept in until they had to get up. All were tired from the prior learning yesterday. Although a cool morning, the sun is breaking up the fog. Stomachs are all full from breakfast and students are excited for their last full day of outdoor school. The level three challenges on the challenge course are what most groups will focus on today. The following two cabin groups of boys, when spoken to, voiced their excitement about today's activities.

End of Day Two

Day two is wrapping up. Another delicious meal for dinner and our ort has been decreasing. Ort is our wasted food. It has been collected and weighed at the end of each meal. During our first dinner on day one, we had 13 pounds of ort! Today for breakfast and dinner, we have learned to only take what we think we will eat, knowing we can always come back for more….and more….and more if we are still hungry. We had decreased our ort to 5 1/2 pounds at breakfast and 6 pounds at dinner. We had seven tables where no ort was produced at all during our dinner meal. After dinner we had our astronomy lesson, switching it with our night hike for tomorrow night to allow the grasses that we will walk into and sit in at night to dry out. We had as many cheerful faces tonight as there were this morning. A great day number two!

Learning on a Mud Floor Classroom

Day two has seen the rain decrease. In fact, it hasn't stopped any learning at all. Challenge course continues to provide more difficult challenges, forest ecology hikes still taking place. All is good at Grizzly Creek Ranch!

First Night: Journeys Outdoor School

According to Jacob, last night was "exciting and fun". Sounds like everyone slept well and at the little rain this morning isn't getting any of the campers down. All seem full of energy and excited for day number two. Blue sky is even already peaking out through the clouds by 7:40 AM.

Day 1: Journeys Outdoor School

Day one is coming to a close. Only 10 minutes left until "lights out". It was a wonderful first day. Students quickly unloaded the buses so that the learning could begin. One trail group spent the afternoon at pond ecology. Two groups learned physics with slingshots while another group took a four-hour hike to learn about forest ecology. Some amazing animals were seen today by the forest ecology group! The first stage of the challenge course was started by several trail groups as well. The weather is good, the food is great, and the students are having a wonderful time.

Tie Dye

Early October involved learning the chemistry of tie dye, at the molecular level.  Students learned the importance of soda ash, fiber reactive dye, and the professional textile detergent that is used in washing out the shirt for the first time.  In the process, students were able to tie dye their own shirt.  Many students from class even ran an after-school tie dye fundraiser for our classroom.