Learning About the Brain

We spent time in class studying the brain and how it works to get a better understanding of what we do when we think. After taking apart and reassembling two model brains we shared our wonderings and spent time exploring the different parts of the brain and what they do. 

We learned that just like an egg yolk, our brain has some special fluid around it that protects it from hitting our skull when we move. We know that our brain is very important and that we need to protect it by being safe and wearing helmets while riding bikes and doing other sports.

Throughout our study on the brain we conferred many sources, including a website called "Wondermind". This site has many games that encourage brain strengthening, as well as kid-friendly videos that discuss the parts of the brain. To find the videos, you have to first click on a game as if you are going to play, and then you will see a video button in the lower left corner. We only watched part of one in class, so I encourage you to watch more with your child at home! Click here to go to the website.

We have now entered into our next Unit of Inquiry, which focuses on imagination. We will really strengthen our brains during this Unit by challenging ourselves to thing outside the box. Last week your child brought home a puppet theater of The Little Red Hen. Before taking it home each child practiced retelling the story and then used the iPad to record himself. We will use these recordings to critique our expression and encourage us to develop in the area of performing arts.

In math we have looked more closely at numbers in general, and spent time carefully examining numbers 11 through 19. Through a series of games and activities in which we built the numbers, we have develop a basic understanding of place value. We will continue this exploration of numbers as we also add in a study of geometric shapes.

Playing "Flying Saucers"