Young Scientists

We're investigating apples.

In the STEAM lab, we observe, weigh, measure, and experiment on apples.

We record our observations in our Science Journals.

Will the apple sink or float?

Hooray! It floats! My hypothesis is correct!

We're using our senses to investigate.

Science is the "the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment."  Or, as we tell the students, when we study science, we are investigating the wonders of God's creation. These students love going to the STEAM lab to learn about God's world.

I'm using my sense of hearing.

These two sound the same.

STEAM lab is fun!

What does it smell like?

I've identified the smell.

What's in there?

I'm not sure I want to touch it.

It feels soft.

I'm writing down my observations.

Yum! Tastes sweet!

Can I throw the ball in the basket with my eyes closed?

Mrs. Bonaventure reveals the contents of the touch boxes.

It bothers me when people claim, "I believe in science," implying we have to choose whether to believe in God or believe in Science. We can learn from scientific discoveries without abandoning our faith in God. . For when we observe and investigate the complexity, the intricacy, and the harmony of creation (the natural world), we see the awesome hand of God. (Dr. Francis Collins, who is the director of the National Institute of Health and is also a Christian, has more to say on the subject in his book, The Language of God, and also on his website BioLogos.  Dr. Steven Foster, pastor of Community Bible Church, has also written on the subject on his Heelcatcher blog.) 

 I hope the children in my class will always continue to ask questions, to research, to experiment, and to make new discoveries. And I hope their discoveries will strengthen their faith in an all-wise, omnipotent God.

The sum of our knowledge about the physical world continues to grow as humans make new discoveries and learn more about God's world. I hope one day some of these boys and girls will make discoveries that will benefit mankind and provide additional reasons for us to glorify our Creator. 

Our students learned about germs and about staying healthy.

Students wrote about what they learned.

Bacteria and viruses don't really have wiggly eyes. 

But aren't these cute artistic renditions of microbes?

The class had fun painting these germs.

The students drew their own sketches of germs.

 

 

Working Hard and Playing Hard

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." Colossians 3:23

The first full week of school has been very productive. This new group of T1 students has proved to be  amazingly hard-working,  Whether they're memorizing a Bible verse, practicing high frequency words, or learning to write their letters correctly on the lines, these students want to do their best. 

They brought home stickers on their Sight Word Booklets and Bible verse charts, smiley faces on their handwriting pages, and certificates for their online math practice. Our class earned marks on the Compliment Chart because of the students' good behavior. And yes, the kids enjoy receiving praise from their parents and teachers. But hopefully they'll learn the most important motivation for working hard: their diligence pleases their Creator. He delights in watching them learn, grow, and realize their potential.

We're practicing our color words.

We're practicing our handwriting.

We're listening to stories.

We're reviewing uppercase and lowercase letters.

                                              

We're working on math skills.

We're playing outside.

We're getting lots of exercise.

And we still had time for a little fun. Mrs. Everett is expecting a new baby. Will it be a boy or a girl? The answer is inside the piñata. 

 

Pink candy!

It's a girl!

Consistency in the Midst of Unpredictable Times

Life is full of surprises.

 We can't predict what will happen tomorrow, especially during a global pandemic. We began our school year with Covid-19 running rampant throughout our state. But because we were prepared, because we were flexible---and by the grace of God---our students at PBS had a happy and productive first week of school.

 

Our week was filled with adventure In T-1. Our new friend Forky ran away. Fortunately he left us some clues in the form of QR codes. We used the scanner app on the iPad to decipher the codes and track him down.

I loved seeing the expressions of wonder on my students' faces and hearing the excitement in their voices as they chased Forky around the school. 

I had to smile when I heard one of my students call out to his classmates, "Forky is one naughty guy! Come on, team! Let's find him." 

We carried out the Toy Story theme in our arts and crafts and science lesson. We made our own "Forkys," and we did an experiment to see whether he would sink or float.

This first week was devoted to practicing routines we'll use throughout the year---routines for classroom procedures, cafeteria, playground, auxiliary classes, snack time, and Centers time.

Free Centers Time is still a favorite with our Transitional First Grade students.

We're planning to keep our routines as consistent as possible and keep our children learning and growing.  Though we never know what tomorrow will bring, we have a God who faithful, consistent, and unchangeable. Because of Him, we are beginning our school year with optimism and confidence.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8 ESV