Posted in General Studies, STEAM

Let’s Talk Science…. Fat, Fur, and Feathers

Yesterday was a very exciting day in Senior Kindergarten!!  We had a special guest join us in the Makerspace and lead us in a Let’s Talk Science lab. Farah, a Science student from the University of Ottawa, led us in a discussion about how different animals get ready for winter and the SK students impressed as they showed off what they already knew.  They told Farah that many animals adapt to get ready for the cold weather by eating a lot of food or by growing thicker fur or feathers to stay warm.  The kids asked great questions and knew a lot of answers to the questions they were asked.  Then they experimented with Fat (vegetable shortening in a baggie), Fur (faux, of course!) and Feathers to see which kept their hands the warmest when touching ice.  The students were so engaged and enthusiastic as they tried different combinations to see which would keep their hands warm…. the combo of fat and fur was the clear winner.  Thanks to Farah for leading this special, super-fun experience!  It has certainly sparked some interest in both classes to explore this theme further….

Speaking of getting ready for winter, now that the colder temperatures are upon us, we thought we should clarify our Outdoor Play plan for the winter months.  We will continue having our recess and end of day pick-up on the playground, so please ensure that your child comes to school dressed appropriately.  However, if it is colder than -15, with or without the windchill, we will not be venturing outdoors (we will be using the Weather Network to determine the temperature).  As with rainy days, if there are no kids or teachers on the playground when you arrive to pick-up, please come to the front door to find your child.  While we will strive to get outside as much as possible, we will take advantage of the gym or other indoor physical activities when the weather is not cooperating.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Fridays (from now until early March) – 2:00 pm Dismissal

Thursday, Nov. 23 – Dress Down Day

Friday, Nov. 24 – PD DAY – NO SCHOOL

Posted in General Studies, STEAM

Let’s Talk Science…. Fat, Fur, and Feathers

Today was a very exciting day in Senior Kindergarten.  We had special guests join our class and lead us in a Let’s Talk Science lab. Farah and Madalina, Science students from the University of Ottawa, led us in a discussion about how different animals get ready for winter and the SK students are already experts thanks to the many books we have read and the activities we have done in class.  They told Farah and Madalina that many animals adapt to get ready for the cold weather by eating a lot of food to gain more fat or by growing thicker fur or feathers to stay warm.  The kids asked great questions and knew a lot of answers to the questions they were asked.  Then we experimented with Fat (vegetable shortening in a baggie), Fur (faux, of course!) and Feathers to see which kept their hands the warmest when touching ice.  The students were so engaged and enthusiastic as they tried different combinations to see which would keep their hands warm…. the combo of fat and fur was the clear winner.  Thanks to Farah and Madalina for leading this special, super-fun experience!  We can’t wait to do it again in the winter!

Speaking of getting ready for winter, now that the snow has officially arrived, we thought we should clarify our Outdoor Play plan for the winter months.  We will continue having our morning drop-off and recess on the playground, so please ensure that your child comes to school dressed appropriately.  However, if it is colder than -18, with or without the windchill, we will not be venturing outdoors (we will be using the Weather Network to determine the temperature if you want to check before leaving the house).  As with rainy days, if there are no teachers on the playground after the bell rings at 8:30, please bring your child to the front door for drop-off.  While we will strive to get outside as much as possible, we will take advantage of the gym or other indoor physical activities when the weather is not cooperating.

 

Party Popper Emoji (U+1F389)HAPPY BIRTHDAY Party Popper Emoji (U+1F389)

to Esti and Sari who turned 5 on November 17th!!

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Fridays (from now until early March) – 2:00 pm Dismissal

Thursday, Nov. 24 – Dress Down Day supporting the Ottawa Humane Society

Friday, Nov. 25 – PD DAY – NO SCHOOL