Young Scientists At Work

For the past few days, our young scientists have been working through the Scientific Method.  They have learned that the Scientific Method often includes the following steps: 1) Asking a Testable Question, 2) Forming a hypothesis, 3) Test with an experiment, 4) Record and analyze data, 5) Draw conclusions and Report results.

Today, our young scientists used the Scientific Method to answer the following testable question "How many drops of water fit on the face of a penny?" Students enjoyed experimenting and comparing results. Not all students got the same answer.  Students came up with the following list for WHY results may have differed: 1) The size of the drops might have been different, 2) A student may have miscounted, 3) The table might have been unbalanced, 4) A student might have pushed too hard on the eye dropper.

C.O.R.E. scientists, what was your favorite part of today's lab? Leave us a comment.

Class Store!

On Friday, the C.O.R.E. students participated in our very first Class Store! The Class Store is part of our behavior incentive program. The store also provides real world experience with the topic of economics, which is a part of our third grade social studies standards.

Students earn $2 a day for doing their job, coming to school on time.  Students can also earn money throughout the day by doing things such as making good choices, participating in class lessons, turning things in on time, and much more!  Just like in the real world, students may also lose money as a result of making poor choices. While paying class fines aren't fun, they are an important experience as well.

At the end of each school day, students log the money that they earned in their bank account log book.  In order to be an active participant in the store, students promise to: 1) Log money daily, 2) Be honest, and 3) Fill out an application to work .

Our store opens on Fridays for about 20-25 minutes.  There are always three workers including a banker.  These workers get paid $10 for working during the store time. During store, some students may choose to save their money for "big ticket" items that are for sale.  Other students buy small trinkets, Thursday lunch bunch, Teacher Assistant, Special Desk and more.  Some students prefer to rent items for $5.  The favorite rentals are Legos, Checkers, Apples to Apples Junior, bowling, and Water Color Paints.

During store time, students talk about saving, spending, counting change, making choices, depositing, withdrawing, account balances and so much other sophisticated vocabulary.  Overhearing these conversations by our precious kiddos, warms our hearts!

Hey C.O.R.E. kids, what's your favorite part of our class store? 

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

We had some very special visitors at Chets Creek this week as we began our walk on the wild side. During the Sensory Safari, students had the opportunity to get up close and personal with life-like animals from around the world.The students were so engaged as they listened and learned about the different animals. :)

Are You Ready to Walk on the Wild Side With Us?

Welcome to our classroom blog! We are so excited to have you in our class this year. We have so many fun experiences planned for you to make your 3rd grade year the best yet!

Here are a few reminders:

• School starts Monday, 19th at 9:00 AM. You are welcome to come as early as 8:30 each day to get your day started.  
• If you haven't already, please get your school supplies.  
• Join PTA. The cost is only $6.00 per family.  The list of programs that the CCE PTA supports at our school is endless!
• On the first day, make sure you have a plan for lunch (buying or bringing).  
• Also, make sure that you know how you are getting home. Are you walking, biking, riding the bus, riding in the car, extended day? 
• Do you have a rainy day plan for dismissal?

Keep checking this blog all year round to keep up with all of the amazing adventures we will be having together.  What are you most excited about this year? Leave us a comment to let us know!
Your very excited adventure guides,
Miss Russell, Mrs. Colclough, Mrs. O'Leary, and Miss Earnest