Be careful with your hearing!

We all listen to our music a little too loud, sometimes.  But that can truly damage your hearing, and that's something that you can't undo!  Take care of your ears and use this handy interactive sound ruler to see what's okay for your hearing, and what isn't.

Happy Halloween!

In this spirit of Halloween, here are a few new creatures that were discovered this year that are just plain creepy.

The Cyclops Shark is a newly discovered creature.  Look at that creepy single eye!

Author's Purpose

One of our reading strategies this week is to determine the author's purpose.  Writers have these purposes when they write:

• Inform
• Narrate
• Persuade
• Describe
• Entertain

This video will explain more:

Pendulum Video

In our science unit, Variables, we studied pendulums.  Our class came to the conclusion that the longer the pendulum string, the less it swings.  Here is a video that shows an interesting set of pendulums!

Australia's Great Barrier Reef

On Friday, our class was discussing Australia's Great Barrier Reef.  We talked about where the reef is (it's in the upper right corner near Cairns).

We also talked about the Giant Clams that call the reef their home.

After some research, I found this interesting page on National Geographic's website that gave some great information about these interesting bivalves!

Also, here's a video:

Some giant clam facts:

• they are the largest mollusks on earth and can get to be 4 feet tall
• they cannot catch a human swimmer
• for a while in history, people used to eat this clam but then too many clams were disappearing, so now it's protected

Look at its size compared to an adult!

Wow!

Let me know if you find any more interesting animals from the Great Barrier Reef!



Federal Way Public Schools Facebook Page

Hi guys!
FWPS has a facebook page.  You can get up-to-date information about what's happening in our district, including school closures, phone numbers and events. 
Here's the link.

50 State Capitols Rap

Wassup, scholars?

In social studies, we've been talking about our country's geography.  I found a great link to a video that goes through all of the states' capitols.  Check it out!  You are going to love it!

Enjoy.
Ms. Willard

Scientific Method Madness, Yo!

Hiya! 
Remember when we talked about the scientific method?  There were some steps involved that every scientist does to make sure the experiement is done correctly. 
Here's a link to guide you through those steps.

We start our new science unit this week:  Variables!!!  You will need to know the scientific method for this unit!  If you look on youtube, you might even find a scientific method rap!  Let me know if you do!
Later, scientists!
Ms. Willard

Fun Geography Games!

If you are interested in learning more about the geography of the USA, here is a fun website to check out.

Having Trouble Leaving Comments?

After some light research, I think I've discovered a possible reason why you might not be able to leave comments on various posts.  It turns out that if you are using Internet Explorer, your comments disappear.  If you use Google Chrome or Firefox, you might have better luck. 
Hope that helps you all!

Fun and educational websites!

Are you looking for something fun to do online but you need to learn something, too? Here are some suggestions of places to check out!
 National Geographic Kids has games, photos, stories, and more about the world around us.  Also, here is a news bites blog.
KidsKnowIt is actually part of a network, which means that it connects you to more than one website.  There are geology games, astronomy games, madlibs...  This one looks like it could be a popular site!!!
Funbrain has lots of games and activities!


Happy learning!
Ms. Willard

For the Love of Elephants...

On Friday, our class had a discussion about the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's Nairobi Elephant Nursery in Kenya.  We discussed what the Wildlife Trust's purpose was and how it took in orphaned baby elephants after their mothers had been killed by poachers. This organization is a wonderful look into how humans and animals can share a deep connection and a powerful bond.  A great link to a documentary that focuses on the Wildlife Trust can be found  here on the CBC website.
I highly recommend it!

--Ms. Willard

Welcome to Ms. Willard's Classroom Blog!

Hi there students and families of Room 102!
This blog is a great place for you to come for updates on our classroom, interesting and educational articles and links, suggestions for further home practice in a particular subject, or just random thoughts that come up as I'm teaching you throughout the day!  Feel free to subscribe (kids: ask your parents' permission first!) so that you know when a new post has been added! 

See you all in school!
Ms. Willard