How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

The class went to the computer lab yesterday to take an Accelerated Reader quiz on the book How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World which was read in class last week.  Please don't forget the homework assignment that goes with this book.  I can't wait to see the recipes that the students bring on Friday.  I really don't want to leave anyone out of the recipe collection, so make sure your child has his or hers. 

This and That

*Congratulations to Andrew!  Our class was so proud to see him recognized on JME News this morning for being one of the school winners of the Coca-Cola fundraiser.  :-)

*Don't forget the student council is collecting cans of dog food for homeless pets.  The Chow for Chihuahuas program is in full swing at JME.  The students receive a ticket to the Fall Festival events for every can they bring in and the class with the most cans gets a pizza party. 

*Join us for Math 101 tonight in the cafeteria at 6:00 followed by 1st Grade Parent Night.  We will have lots of information for you. 

*We need volunteers to man the Fall Festival games.  Please contact me about this opportunity as soon as possible.  Each volunteer will need to work a one hour shift at one of the 5 games for which the first grade is responsible.  We need lots of help and we are counting on you to help make this a fantastic event for the children.  The Fall Festival will be Friday, October 12, 2012. 

Solids, Liquids, Gas

We are learning about the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) in science.  We did a really neat experiment today.  We combined baking soda and vinegar in an empty soda bottle.  It caused a chemical reaction that created bubbles.  All those bubbles bursting released a gas - Carbon Dioxide - into the air.  We captured this gas in the balloon that we put on top of the bottle.  We learned that gas takes up space, even when we can not see it.  It was fun!

Class Pets

I am sure that many of you have already heard about the latest additions to our class.  We have had our 4 Fire Bellied Toads (Yes, they are toads even though the whole class refers to them as frogs.) for about 2 weeks now.  They seem very happy in their tank.  My husband outdid himself designing a suitable habitat for them.  They have rocks, aquatic plants, plenty of water with a filter, and dry land.  They go through a box of crickets a week.  Their names are Keiko, Karma, Kelbo, and Kermit.  Here are a couple of pictures.