Posts by Carol LaMotte
6th Graders Explore Weird Properties of Oobleck
“What is it?” “Ew, it’s gooey AND hard.” “Whoa! Why does it do that?” This is how science class started today. Students were given a container of mystery substance (Oobleck) and charged with the task of identifying as many properties of matter as they could. They quickly dispatched with the easier ones: color, odor, and…
Read MoreGoing Nordic with Dead Bugs, Wedges, Cold Solos — and Lots of Laughs
We at Explorer West are ever more amazed at how adept 7th graders are at cross-country skiing. They have the perfect blend of budding coordination; let’s “just do it” hunger for learning, and a whatever attitude about falling. This seventh grade is setting a high mark with their quick progress. Despite crunchy (icy and hard)…
Read MoreOur Trip Up To the Mountains
by Autumn, 6th gradeWe went out on our homemade snowshoes, and we went through a lot of stopping to fix our snowshoes and add modifications. We managed not to destroy our snowshoes, but we took them off at lunchtime and played a lot of games. We played Camouflage; you play with one person it and…
Read MoreSixth Graders Begin Building Their Snowshoes
One of the most exciting things about building the snowshoes is that the students are exposed to many different tools and skills. With a solid plan under their belts, the 6th graders have begun the process of assembling their 2008-2009 snowshoes. They began last week with the bindings which involved cutting the fabric and using…
Read MoreWorld Religions in 6th Grade Ancient Civilizations
One goal of the Ancient Civilizations” social studies sequence at Explorer West Middle School is basic literacy in world religions. While there is no prayer or promotion of any particular religion at Explorer West, we believe it is valuable for students to gain basic knowledge around the practices and beliefs of different religions. Public schools…
Read More