Becoming Hibernation Experts

This week the Whales dived deep into their Hibernation study. They have been creating sample hibernation sites, and studying their hibernating animal facts. The Oregon Black Bear group worked together to paint the outside of their den. They used black, brown, and green to make the outside of their den look like wood, and moss. The Little Brown Bat research group, worked together to paint the outside of their cave. They used black and white to create a rock like surface. They also have worked incredibly hard cutting out little brown bats to go into their cave. The Northwest Painted group, worked together to make a large example of a plastron and carapace (front and back of their shell). They had to look at the little details on the Northwest Painted Turtles shells. The Common Garter Snake group, started to create many paper snakes to make a hibernaculum. They used their science eyes to notice all the details of the colors and patterns on the Common Garter Snake.

The Whales will go home this afternoon with a copy of their research facts. Their job over the weekend is to study their facts a couple times to help prepare for their presentations next Friday. They are practicing in the classroom as well, and are doing an incredible job.

For mathematics, the Whales are finishing up their study on 2D shapes. They have been observing the characteristics of each shape and noticing how they are different or similar than other shapes. We have also started take away (subtraction) problems, including story-word problems.

In art, the Whales finished their Ted Harrison landscapes. They were all so incredibly proud of their creativity, and uniqueness that they each showed in their art pieces. Check out their amazing and colorful landscapes near their cubbies. They have also began their scientific illustrations of their hibernating animal and will continue on them into next week.

The Whales were so busy this week with their studies, however, they were able to take a relaxing listening walk to the Pacific University fountain on campus. It is such a blast to explore the University campus, and to see all the beauty our campus holds. The Whales were so excited to explore something new. Check out the last couple of photos that show their adventure to the fountain.