Thursday, June 20, 2013

Class Trip to the Gardiner Museum

Today was our last class trip of the year.  We took a school bus downtown to the Gardiner Museum.  It is a ceramics museum.  We had a little tour and then spent the rest of the morning in a clay workshop.  We learned how to make 3-dimensional animals with the clay and used some different tools to create texture.
The Gardiner Museum offers drop-in clay classes at a cost of $5 for children.  A fun activity for summer vacation!  For more information check out their website www.gardinermuseum.com or call 416-586-8080.

 Orientation in the Ceramics gallery

 Ian, our instructor
 

 Busy at work



 
Class picture!


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Royal Ontario Museum

Last Friday was our class trip to the ROM.  We all really enjoyed ourselves.  I was so proud of the girls and boys when we were travelling on the TTC.  Everyone was safe and careful during the entire trip.  Check out the pictures below!

 On the subway

 Walking to the museum
 The ROM!
 Dinosaurs

 The Rocks and Minerals Exhibit
 Checking out the beautiful rocks and minerals

 Fish Tank
 Honey Bees
 Class Picture
 Touching a live cockroach. Yuck!
 An actual python's skin
 Busy digging for fossils
 Costume party
 Inside a mummy's tomb
 Strike a pose!
Waiting for the subway train home


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Storyteller

Last week, we had a storyteller come and visit with us in the library.  She told us wonderful and funny stories from all around the world.  Some students volunteered as actors to help tell the stories! She gave us passports with a website address so we can listen to more stories at home.  Make sure you check them out!







Tuesday, June 11, 2013

First Nations Performance

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Last month, some of you sent $2 to school to cover the cost of a First Nations performance.  Unfortunately, the performance was cancelled.  I have kept track of all the students who brought in the $2.
I will be returning the money to the families who sent it in.


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Class Trip Next Week

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Next Friday, June 14th, our class is going on a field trip to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).  We are very fortunate because this trip is free of charge!  Our school was offered this special promotion on a first come, first serve basis.  So Ms. Mabey and I acted fast!
As always, please make sure your child comes to school that day prepared with a healthy lunch, water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing. 
It seems that we have many parents who are interested in volunteering to come with us to the ROM.  Unfortunately, I can't take all parents.  But we do have another class trip coming up the following week - June 20th - and we will need parent volunteers for that trip as well.  Details to be shared soon...

Please return signed permission forms back to school as soon as possible.  Thank you!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Scientist Visit

Last week, a scientist came to our class to teach us about the six Simple Machines - lever, wedge, screw, wheel & axle, pulley and inclined plane.  Some Grade 5 students came to volunteer as our group leaders.  It was a wonderful learning experience for us all!

Scientist Murphy is reviewing the different Simple Machines


At the pulley station

 
Learning about levers
 

 Getting our safety gear ready
 
Using a screw to crush a pop can
 


Exploring inclined planes and wedges
 


Using wheels and axles to make cars
 
The grand finale - Scientist Murphy uses a machine that is made with 
4 simple machines to peel an apple!
 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013