Wings of Birds, Flight and Free Form Fun Friday

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What a fantastic week the Whales have had together! Early in the week we spent time looking more closely at the feathers of birds. We looked at the similarities and differences of the flight, tail, contour and downy feathers, using the structure of the feather to give clues about the way they are used and where they can be found on the body of the bird. Our study of feathers led us to a study of flight. We looked closely at the wing size and shape of various birds, watching how they fly and how they use their wing and tail feathers to help maneuver their bodies through the air. Then we got busy in small groups (with the help of some amazing parent volunteers!) creating our very own flying paper birds, complete with various styles and sizes of wings. And then we had to race them… what fun!

On Friday, we turned the Whale classroom into a big Creation Station, engineering, art and game room. It was great fun to build with our very best friends!

Fernhill Wetlands and ELC Fun Run!

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What an exciting week the Whales have had! To help wrap up our bird unit of study, the Whales took a field trip to Fernhill Wetlands, where we were lucky enough to see many of the birds we have been studying. Whales rotated through various stations, visiting scopes set up by our very own Pacific ornithologists, listening and locating birds at our Listening Station, and creating beautiful chalk pastel landscape drawings at our Layers of the Wetlands station. The trip was a wonderful culmination of all that we have learned.

On Friday, the Whales put their tennis shoes on and ran like crazy! We had great fun and managed to make money for the ELC too!

Feathers, Flying, Wetland Murals and Celebrations!

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The Whales had a week jam-packed with fun! We finished the scientific illustrations of our birds, beginning by looking at the basic shapes we saw in the body, head and tail. We noticed the tiniest details in feather shape and size and worked hard to accurately illustrate our bird’s beak and feet. After completing our pencil drawings, we used artist’s pencils, practicing soft strokes and blending as we worked. In the final step in our drawing, we used pencil-point watercolor brushes to carefully paint around the outline of our bird. The Whales worked so hard and were so proud of their work!

On Thursday, we spent time talking about where to hang each of our birds on our wetland mural, finding the correct habitat for each one. They look magnificent in their new home!

As we began talking about feathers and flight, the Whales worked together to create some pretty fast-flying birds (paper airplanes). We had fun racing them inside and outside the classroom. We look forward to talking more about feathers and flight next week as we work to construct some airplanes with a variety of wing shapes, exploring how wing size and shape affect flight.

After an amazing Celebration of Learning with our families on Thursday evening, the Whales spent an extra amount of time outside, playing in the Cedar Classroom sandbox and going on a super fun Heart Word Bingo Walk outside!

Bird Beaks and Feet Are Neat!

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The Whales continued their exploration of birds this week by learning more about the special adaptations birds have developed in order to survive in their unique habitats. We spent time trying out how it might feel to have climbing feet, perching feet, wading feet, webbed feet and really sharp talons.

We spent time trying to get our food using the tool-like beaks of many birds. We tried to crush seeds with a seed-eating beak, catch a fish and flip it into our mouths with the beak of a heron, use a straw-like beak and thin tongue to suck up nectar like a hummingbird, use a hammer-like beak to pound into wood and catch insects, and use the flat, strainer-like bill of a duck to collect food as we dabbled in the water.

We have started our amazing scientific illustrations of our wetland birds and look forward to adding color next week.

We learned two new games that are helping us become master ornithologists. Whales are scientists and friends!

Bird Olympics with Whales!

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The Whales tried their hand at being birds today. We discovered that birds have many special talents (adaptations) that help them survive in their environment. We spent time trying to “fly” as fast as an American Kestrel, stare for as long as a Great Horned Owl, stand on one foot for as long as a Great Blue Heron and flap our wings as fast as an Anna’s Hummingbird. We were exhausted at the end of the Olympics and decided that our bird friends would definitely win a gold medal for their adaptation sport!

We’re continuing to work on our research papers for our wetland birds. We’re learning so many cool things. Ask your Whale to share one fact they’ve learned about their bird with you.

We also worked hard on our Mother’s Day gifts. They turned out beautifully and we were so excited to put our final coat of glaze on during a visit to the Pacific Art Studio. We felt like real artists! A big thank you to Pacific professor Ms. Meghan!

Exploring Wetlands with Whales

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The Whales began a study of wetlands this week, investigating the important role that wetlands play in our environment. We learned that the native plants in a wetland help to clean and filter impurities in our water and provide shelter for birds and other animals. To deepen their understanding, the Whales worked like scientific illustrators, creating beautiful paintings of four important wetland plants. In addition, we discovered the pivotal role that wetlands play in controlling run off and flooding in our city. We conducted an experiment that showed how a wetland works to hold, filter and clean our water before it comes out of our tap. We also discovered that our very own Cedar Classroom has a bio swale that works like a little mini-wetland for Pacific University, helping direct and control run off from campus while filtering impurities and directing water to Fernhill Wetlands.

To help synthesize all that we’ve learned so far, the Whales created a stunning wetland mural together. We talked about the layers of a wetland and what they do, then worked in teams to create the final project. We will eventually add our research birds to our wetland scene.

As if all this work around wetlands wasn’t enough, we also studied the life cycle and unique qualities of a Praying Mantis. Our second egg case hatched and we have hundreds of little nymphs in our habitat. Whales spent time becoming Praying Mantis together at carpet. Whales are scientists!

Thunder & Lightning and States Of Matter Chemistry fun!

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The Whales had an exciting week of Whale Weather Reports and learning all about what makes thunder and lightning. We even spent time creating thunder and lightning in the classroom - what crazy-good fun! On the same day, Whales participated in a shared reading of the book Thundercake by Patricia Palacco and then made their own Thundercake with Ms. Abby. It was a fitting way to celebrate Ms. Abby’s last day with us. The Whales were so sad to say goodbye, but we’re hopeful she’ll come back to visit one day soon.

During our weather unit, and specifically our study of the water cycle, the Whales learned all about different states of matter. To help further cement those concepts, the Whales were lucky enough to be visited by Mr. Dave, Pacific Chemistry professor and Whale dad! The Whales were transfixed as they watched the chemistry experiments that highlighted changing states of matter. The photos tell the story of one very happy and exciting week with the Whales!

Clouds, Rain and Whale Weather Reporters!

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The Whales continued their study of clouds this week, creating some wonderful scientific art that highlighted the four different types of clouds we have studied: cirrus, cumulus, stratus and nimbus. Our Whales are honing their meteorologist skills, thoughtfully and accurately predicting the weather in our daily Whale Weather Reports.

Later in the week, we studied what comes from clouds. Our Whale meteorologists watched an experiment that demonstrated the water cycle, observing water as it changed into three different states of matter. We participated in a play that helped us understand the movement of water through the water cycle. Our water vapor droplets had to rise so high that we stood on our chairs!

Along with all of this amazing science, we continue to strengthen our Whale community as we collaborate, build, observe and play together!

Wind & Cloud Exploration and Marble Friday Fun!

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Wow, the Whales have been busy this week studying Wind, and the Clouds! In the beginning of the week, the Whales learned that wind is created by cool and warm pockets of air that the sun makes. They did many experiments to test out weighing air, and capturing air. The Whales noticed that you can’t see air but when you quickly move a bag and close it you can trap air and feel it in the bag. Later in the week, the Whales engineered their own sailboats and tested them out using the wind they could create with their breath. They made some spectacular sailboats that could float all the way across our sensory bins! The Whales also learned about different forms of clouds! We went outside to be cloud searches and on our beautiful Friday, we noticed that many of the clouds in the sky are cumulus which means it probably won’t rain!

On Friday morning the Whales were busy engineering marble runs, and marble mazes. They worked together to figure out how to make a marble not fall off of their marble track. They also built some amazing domino structures. Not only are the Whales becoming meteorologists, but they are also creative engineers.

The Whales are Changemakers and Game Players!

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This week the Whales explored the topic of what a refugee is. Whales noticed that refugees are people who had to leave their home because they were in danger. They discovered that many refugees who are coming to a brand new place like Oregon don’t always feel welcome. The Whales remembered what it was like to feel welcomed on the first day of school. As Changemakers the Whales started writing welcome letters to refugees who are coming to live in Oregon. The Whales worked so hard all week finishing their welcome letters and are getting excited about putting together welcome kits with donated items when they return from spring break. They are Changemakers and they are so proud of the kindness that they are spreading to others!

The Whales finished the week off by coming to Family Game Night on Thursday. So many Whales and their families were able to learn new math games, enjoy the company of others, and eat some yummy treats! A huge shoutout to all of our Game Night volunteers!! We hope every Whale has a great spring break and gets to play some of their new games.

Whales Visit With Centenarian Friends

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In recognition of our 100th day of school, the Whales began thinking about what it might be like to live (and learn!) for 100 years. We figured the best way to get our questions answered was to go straight to the source. On Thursday morning, the Whales were thrilled to welcome some very special guests from Cornell Estates in Hillsboro. They were kind enough to share time with us, joining in singing old songs, answering questions, and sharing hand-written books with us. It was a truly joyful morning of happiness and discovery.

Many thanks to Mr. Mark and his camera. He captured the event perfectly!

The Start of Our Changemakers Unit of Study and... Leprechaun Craziness!

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The Whales have been a busy bunch this week! We started a new unit of study on Changemakers, and planned and engineered Leprechaun traps!

The Whales started their new unit of study on Changemakers this week. We looked at the three traits of a changemaker. Every changemaker 1. looks for problems, 2. thinks of ways to solve problems, and 3. brings people along with them to solve those problems. Changemakers can do great big things but they can also do small things to help the world around them. The Whales each thought of a way that they could help the world as a changemaker. Some Whales, want to plant more trees, others want to show kindness to those around them. The Whales also explored Changemakers that are protectors of water. The Whales learned about the impact that oil leaks have on the land and water. We learned all about Winona LaDuke and her efforts to protect farming land and water from oil. The Whales even signed a pledge to be Stewards of the Earth and Protectors of the Water.

Friday was full of Mystery Reader and Leprechaun fun! Ms. Cat joined us in the morning to read us a book about a Haberdashery (a hat store). Ask your Whales about all the different hats Ms. Cat wore during her read aloud. We started off our day planning and engineering innovative Leprechaun traps. The Whales even wrote welcome letters to the Leprechauns in hopes of catching one. After time in the Piazza, the Whales discovered the Leprechauns had been in our classroom. Not only did they knock over chairs, pencils, and legos, they also left our toilets green! AGH! None of the Whales were able to catch one, but… they did leave us some delicious chocolate coins. YUM!

Friday Math Mornings and 100 Year Old Self-Portraits

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The Whales sure enjoy a good game, so it’s no wonder that our Friday Math Mornings are so much fun! When Whales play math games, they build skills in self-regulation and turn-taking, problem-solving, strategy, subitizing, number fluency, quick number recognition and more.

We put the finishing touches on our 100 Year Old Self Portraits this week and the results are so fun. Stop by the Whale classroom and take a peek - the results are sure to put a smile on your face!

100th Day Hoopla With The Whales!

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The Whales pulled out all the stops today, celebrating the joy of being together for 100 days of love and community!

The following is a short list of the fun we had: writing one hundred heart words together, playing 100’s games like the 100’s Wheel Of Fortune, Huntin’ on the 100’s Chart, 100’s obstacle course, 100’s march up to the top of Berglund Hall, and more.

The fun didn’t stop there though! We worked in teams and decorated our classroom with 100’s posters, shared special items and photos of things that were 100 years old (or older!) and finished our day with a 100’s Day Cheer while eating our delicious Whale-made strawberry cake! The smiles in the photos say it all. It’s good to be a Whale!

Happy 100th Day Of School!

Whales Explore Migration and Flight

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The Whales were busy this week learning more about their migrating animals, comparing the distance each one travels and learning about the special adaptations that allow each animal to make the perilous journey from north to south and back again. We even tried our very best to be one of our migrating animals, the Canada Goose, flapping our wings and honking like mad, we had so much fun!

As we studied and compared, we noticed that of all our migrating animals, birds were the creatures who traveled the farthest - some as far as 12,000 miles in one direction! How do birds fly? What makes them soar? To help answer that question, we had a special visit from engineering expert and Whale dad, Mr. Nate who helped guide us through the essentials of flight, including the concepts of force, lift and drag. We tried on our own “bird wings” and watched as the force of our wings against the air gave us enough lift to register the difference on a scale - wow! We set about experimenting with our own flying machines, making small adjustments to the pitch of the wings to achieve more lift.

Finally, we went outside and experimented with a parachute, watching as the force of the air lifted the parachute into the sky, just like the wings of our soaring, migrating birds!

Friendship Day Fun With Whales!

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The Whales played, wrote, read, danced, meditated, baked, counted, skipped and sang about the joy of friendship today. Our day ended with a joyous, glow-in-the-dark dance party in the bathroom - what crazy, happy fun we have together. It’s good to be a Whale!

Hibernation Presentations, Animal Art, 3-D Shapes

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Last week, the Whales had the opportunity to present their research and hibernation sites to preschool classes and parents. Before the presentations, they worked hard to add tiny details to their sites and took time to explore what it might feel like to become one of the animals they were studying. Students worked hard to memorize their research facts and presented them with confidence and grace. Our preschool classes remained rapt, and the presentations were a smashing success!

This week, Whales worked to finish their scientific illustrations of their hibernating animal. We used new artist’s techniques and explored new ways to use watercolor, colored pencil and crayon. Their work will be hung in the classroom next week. Make sure to stop by and take a look when you have time.

Along with Animals In Winter, the Whales have been doing a deep dive into 2-D and 3-D shapes. They had a Shape Factory at Engineering Carpet where they used Magna-Tiles and play dough to create whatever 3-D shapes Whale teachers challenged them to make.

A huge thank you to Mr. Mark for taking many of the the beautiful photos attached below.

Hibernation Sites, Shapes and a Mystery Reader Visit to Remember!

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After finishing their research on hibernating animals, the Whales worked together this week to create Black Bear dens, Brown Bat caves, Garter Snake hibernaculum, and NW Painted Turtle carapace and plastrons. We talked about the qualities important to each animal’s hibernation site and worked to include those elements in the design. We look forward to sharing our sites and research with our preschool friends next week.

The Whales continued the study of shapes, focusing on the concepts of sides and corners in 3-D shapes. We are even learning trickier shapes like pentagons, hexagons, octagons and trapezoids. We will start the study of 3-D shapes next week.

To end an already pretty-amazing week, the Whales had a special visit from a Mystery Reader dressed as a real-life astronaut! Mr. Nate arrived wearing his space suit and read a book (which he had written and published!) all about space. The Whales had lots of questions and were utterly transfixed by his presence - so exciting!

Hibernation Research, Shapes, Writing Club

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The Whales had a jam-packed week of learning! We started researching our Pacific Northwest hibernating animals, writing facts and making illustrations to share with our preschool friends. Our study includes Oregon Black Bear, Common Garter Snake, Little Brown Bat and NW Painted Turtle.

We began our study of shapes, starting with 2-D shapes - learning the trickier ones like pentagon, hexagon and octagon was challenging and lots of fun! We’re discovering 2-D shapes all around us.

Finally, the Whales continue to inspire one another during Writers Workshop. On Friday we visited together in small groups, sharing our newest ideas for stories. Whales spent time encouraging their friends, offering editing help and thinking of more ways to improve their already-amazing stories!

Gingerbread Cowboy Photos

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Here is a collection of amazing photographs of the Whale production in December. Remember to click on the Watch and Listen tab to see the video. Thank you to Mr. Mark for capturing the production so beautifully!