What is "Hands On" Science Instruction?

The sixth grade students have been busy learning the metric system. They have measured, poured and mixed many items. Their favorite lab was … well all the labs were favorites – Color Challenge, Mystery Canisters, Gummy Bear Measurements and Mix & Match Mass. All the labs helped the students practiced measuring length, mass, volume and density.

Young scientist learning by doing and watching life happen.

Working with lab partners teaches us to work together and be responsible teams members.

Fall Bulbs Going IN the 6th Grade Garden

Fall is a great time to work in the school garden area.

6th grade is preparing the soil and planting some bulbs for spring color.

So much to do so little time...

For many of our kids the OEA garden area provides some "hands on" gardening time.

I remember fondly my gardening time both with my family and especially with my

grandparents when I was growing up.

Never forget - Science is all about doing!

A Beautiful Day for a Walk-A-Thon

Today we celebrate the 2011 SLS-PALS Walk-A-Thon. Two-hundred kids walking a 1/4 mile track around the church's property. We take 90 minutes and see how far we can go... Parents and friends pledge a per lap amount to spur their students on...

Kids carry a card that is punched upon completing a lap. Some kids make 8 laps, others 15 to 20. A few kids run most of the time and they can get up into the 20+ laps area. Water is provided for hydration and snacks will be given at the end of the walking time. Kids love this project and even if they do not get any pledges we all have fun walking and being together.

We start the Walk-A-Thon by lining up on our car line places. Mr. Baker gives directions and together we walk the first lap lead by our kindergarten students. The weather could not have been better.

Is that some hand holding I see? Way to help Mrs. Brand!

Children of God in the Wilderness - Mr Beckman

The 1st graders were learning about the Children of Israel and their wandering in the wilderness. Must have spent some time in tents. Mr. Beckman thought teaching in a tent might make it more real for the kids. Not much room left for desks. They are all in there - Yep, 25 and Mr Beckman...

What it must have been like to have traveled across the desert and rely on God for both food and water... Must have been quite an adventure. 1st grade can be so much fun...

Mrs. Shaw and the Pre-Kindergarten Garden

Gardening and kids have been in the news a lot in the past few months. To this end we have developed the OEA or Outdoor Education Area for our school. SLS maintains a garden area on one of the church's vacant lots just east of the school.

We have 12 raised beds which are tended by our different classrooms. Mrs. Shaw had lots of plants in her bed but the sweet potatoes seemed to weather the summer heat the best. This week they dug up some wonderful tubers. Pre-K is planning to serve sweet potato fries for the school sometime soon.

Big Friend / Little Friend Activity

SLS started their Big Friend / Little Friend program today with a rock activity. Each BF /LF team share information about who they are and what they like.

One little boy told Jake his favorite food was white. Another little girl asked her big friend what color her kitchen was? Important stuff I think...

Next the Big Friend help the Little Friend (s) cover a rock with glue and tissue. These "rock beings" will be a little keep sake of this day's interaction.

Our Big Friends are in the 3rd to 8th grades and our Little Friends are preschool to 2nd grade.

First Grade Chapel

Mr. Beckman and his class did our chapel this Wednesday.

They talked about the belt of truth.

Mr. Baker really needed a belt for his outfit...

We learned of Shachach, Meshach and Abednego and the truth they stood up for...
Great job Mr. Beckman and First Graders!