More Matter Experiments

Mrs. Muhr

We are learning about Matter during Inquiry. We have done 2 cool experiments this week.

Mixing Solid and Liquid

Students experimented with adding drops of liquid (vinegar) to solids (flour, sugar, salt, baking soda). They used a pipette (dropper) to drop a little liquid at a time. We took time to observe and record what happened.  The most exciting step was watching the gas bubbles created when the vinegar was added to the baking soda.

  


Balloon Blow-Up

Our next experiment was to see if we could harness the gas created by mixing vinegar and baking soda and use it to inflate a balloon.  It worked! We tied off the balloon and noticed that the gas was very dense because the balloon dropped quickly to the floor. Both of these experiments can be completed at home with a few ingredients from your kitchen if you third-grade scientist wants to demonstrate.

Holiday Party

Mrs. Muhr

We had lots of fun on Dec. 22 as we celebrated together! We started by decorating “stocking” bags.

Next, students were able to pass out little stocking stuffer gifts to their classmates. It was so fun to check out what was given.
Next we enjoyed some refreshments.
We made an ornament craft and wrapped it up to gift our families and ended the morning with a Christmas singalong.

Matter Experiments

Mrs. Muhr

During this month’s inquiry lessons we explored how states of matter can change if you add or remove heat. First we learned how to read a thermometer. We did a temperature exploration where we measured the temperature of a cup of water. We added ice cubes and watched the temperature drop. Then I poured in hot water and we watched the temperature rise.

Next, we experimented with adding heat to solids to see if they change their state of matter.  We used a double boiler to add heat to an ice cube, 3 different Hershey kisses, and a small candy cane. The ice and chocolates melted quickly. The cookies bits in the cookies and cream kiss did not melt. Neither did the candy cane. We predict that if we we were able to add more heat (like in an oven) that all of the solids would eventually melt.)

Finally, we predicted what would happen if we put liquid (orange punch) in the fridge, freezer, and outside to “remove heat from a liquid.” The liquid started out at 68 degrees F.  The next morning we observed and recorded our results.  The juice that was outside stayed liquid but was 46 degrees F. The juice in the fridge stayed liquid and was 50 degrees F. The juice in the freezer changed into a solid block of juice.

Polar Express Day

Mrs. Muhr

On Friday we celebrated filling our Dino-mite Reward Jar with a special holiday themed reward. It was Polar Express Day! The day began with learners showing me their golden tickets. Then we gathered on the carpet to read the book The Polar Express.

Next we watched the movie and enjoyed some homemade Christmas cookies.
Later learners worked in groups on a Polar Express themed Escape Room. Groups worked right up until lunch but no one was able to find the missing golden ticket.
During our Fun Friday time, one group chose to continue to work on the clues and they solved the escape room!

Christmas Family Update

Mrs. Muhr

Are you doing any shopping over Thanksgiving break? Our class is sponsoring a family for Christmas with a 6th grade boy and 3-year-old boy. We have a wish list of some items they need and would like for Christmas. You can also make a monetary donation for me to use for these list items. Please send all items into school unwrapped by Dec. 1st. We are using this Sign Up Genius to keep track of gifts that are purchased to avoid duplicates. Thank you for helping with this meaningful project!

Measuring Mass

Mrs. Muhr

This week in math we started working on measurement skills to measure the mass/weight of an object. We are learning about kilograms and grams. Today learners got a chance to explore these weights using digital scales. Their challenge was to find objects that weighted an amount to match their target weight (1 g, 10 g, 100 g, 1 kg). Learners rotated to each station and kept track of the objects they weighed and their weights. The classroom was busy with excited learners as we explored mass!

Kindness Week

Mrs. Muhr

Kindness Week is next week. Join us in celebrating by participating in the following spirit days.

Monday, 11/13- “Workout problems with Kindness” – Wear workout clothes

Tuesday, 11/14- “Bee Kind”- wear yellow/black or bee outfits

Wednseday, 11/15- “Kindness Binds us Together”- wear ties, bowties or tie ribbons in your hair.

Thursday, 11/16- “Accepting others for their diferences is kind”- Wear mismatched clothes

Friday, 11/17- “Peace, Love & Kindness”- wear tie dye or rainbow clothes

 

Dino-mite Hot Choclate Reward

Mrs. Muhr

We filled our dinosaur jar this week for being “dino-mite”. The class voted to celebrate with hot chocolate. Today we enjoyed some delicious hot chocolate while we worked this morning. Learners were able to add a mint, chocolate chips, marshmallows and whipped cream to their hot chocolate if they wanted. It was a “sweet” reward!

Veterans Day

Mrs. Muhr

Today we had a special assembly at Brecknock for Veterans Day. Veteran relatives of our students were invited to join us. A special program was handed out and the cover art that the student body voted on was created by Colton from our class! The assembly concluded with a special song that the entire school sang while waving flags. It was such a sweet moment as we showed our appreciation and gratitude for all that these men and women do for our country and our freedom.

Abdiel’s mom joined us.

Ana’s brother Gabe came.

Christmas Family

Mrs. Muhr

Our class will be sponsoring a family for Christmas with a 6th grade boy and 3-year-old boy. We have a wish list of some items they need and would like for Christmas. You can also make a monetary donation for me to use for these list items. Please send all items into school unwrapped by Dec. 1st. We are using this Sign Up Genius to keep track of gifts that are purchased to avoid duplicates. Thank you for helping with this meaningful project!