How Do Animals Stay Warm?

Today we had the pleasure of learning a great science lesson from Mr. Prazar! He joined us this afternoon to teach us all about animal adaptations, in particular how animals survive in the cold. Students built "animals" by wrapping different types of insulation (fur, feathers, "fat") around water bottles, and we tested to see which kept water the warmest in our chilly winter weather. We learned that the more food energy an animal gets, the more insulation the animal can create to keep itself warm. This also means it must keep eating enough food!

The big green numbers are the "energy units" the animal could produce by eating, which meant how much insulation it could create. The "polar bear" had the most insulation (fur and lots of blubber) and kept the water the warmest!

After, we discussed different ways local animals survive our cold weather. I learned something very cool about how wood frogs survive the winter. Ask your students what they learned! Sincerely, Mr. Kilham

Crazy Hair Day

What great hair today! Perfect for our upcoming Dr. Seuss week 😃

...and one more for good measure.

Have a Wonderful Vacation!

Hello Families! Its hard to believe we're halfway through February. Spring will be here before we know it! While you are enjoying your week off, take a minute to post a picture of something fun you have done while we are apart. Maybe you're traveling, maybe you're playing in the snow, maybe you're enjoying a good book on the couch. I hope you're having a great vacation :)

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Sincerely,

Mr. Kilham

Polar Concert

What a show!
The second graders did a fantastic job at the Polar Animal Performance. Our penguins looked great! It was a truly impressive production: students learned so many songs, dances, stage directions, and lines, and put them together beautifully. Well done! And of course, a big thank you to Ms. Swanson for creating and directing such a fun, informative, original production.

One of my favorites: Have to Have a Habitat

The Penguin Lady

Today we had special visit from Dyan deNapoli, aka the Penguin Lady!

 Dyan shared her extensive penguin knowledge with us through pictures, quizzes, stuffed animals, and her very own penguin calls. Did you know that some penguins can dive down 1,700 feet? Or that rather than the hollow bones that most birds have, penguins have solid bones that help them swim? How long do you think a penguin can hold its breath? Ask your child what else they learned!

Fables

Recently, students were given fables to read in a group. Their assignment was to act out the fable and share the moral of the story with the class. With only a day to practice these, I have to say they did a pretty great job!   Belling the Cat

The Dog and the Bone

 

The Wind and the Sun

The Mouse and the Lion