April 19-23

This week in Quest, Eagles learned how detectives create casts to lift footprints that have been left behind in dirt, snow or mud.  They created a plaster, poured it into a frame, waited for the mixture to dry, then lifted up the print.  Eagles were able to see the size of the shoe and inprints left behind.  As a group, we then calculated the height of the criminal based on his or her shoe print.  We determined the thief is about 5 foot 7 inches tall. 

  

 Some detectives investigated handwriting and practiced various methods of handwriting identification.  They learned how to analyze writing based on letter formation, spacing, and angles.  Based on that information, most Eagles are thinking Suspect #3 wrote the letter that was found at the scene! 

 

After analyzing the evidence, detectives were given information gathered from 3 suspects; Rebecca Toppings, Wallace Jenkins, and Debbie Peabody.  They compared handwriting samples, fingerprints, and height to make deductions.  A couple groups of detectives deducted that Debbie Peabody is the culprit, while another group says the evidence points to a joint effort between Ms. Peabody and Rebecca Toppings. 

   

Twice this week, the Eagles came to school to a note left behind by the Mess Monster.  Sadly, the computers were left unlocked and resulted in hard choices for the Eagles.  One day they had to choose between giving up an Eagle Buck or waiting until the next day for their computers.  Every Eagle decided to willingly contribute an Eagle Buck to the pot.  After the computers were left unlocked again on Wednesday, they had the option of giving up an Eagle Buck, lose 15 minutes of free time, or not use computers for the day.  The Eagles decided to vote and give up 15 minutes of their recess. Wonder how often the Mess Monster will be back for our computers...

In Writer's Workshop, Eagles have began testing their instructions.  They read their instructions aloud to a buddy, whose job was to follow the instructions exactly.  They evaluated their peer's technical writing based on order, flow, and engagement.  Eagles tested mixing slime, creating a toilet paper roll monster, building a popsicle house, and making a clay AK-47.  The author's challenge was then to use the peer feedback to improve their instructions. 

  

In art, Eagles were given instructions from Art Lab which challenged them to create a picture of nature using pastels.  We had Eagles drawing Palo Duro Canyon from an aeriel view, dung beetles, their favorite spot in River Falls, weeping willows, and flowers.  

 

We are really enjoying our Music block this session! Eagles are being exposed to various genres of music and learning about different cultures.  Tuesday, we learned all about China!  The Eagles loved the Chinese instrumental music. Most of them gave it a 5 out of 5 rating, saying it made them feel peaceful.  We then had the chance to experience Chinese cuisine; egg rolls, fried rice, mango, and green jasmine tea. 

Our new favorite free time activity is Gaga ball! A few Eagles taught us how to play the game and have created a make-shift area using cones. It's been a huge hit!