Science Day

Our school did the most wonderful thing this week - they decided to host a school-wide science day! We promoted it for weeks so by the time the day finally came the kids were SO excited about their activities. Throughout the day, the second grade students traveled from room to room and viewed a hilarious science presentation, heard from a true chemist, investigated magnets, learned about bubbles and air, made gloop, and learned about animals from an expert. Every single station hit on second grade standards in an engaging, fun way. By the end of the day I was left with a group of exhausted, happy, educated second grade scientists who couldn't stop raving about all of the fun activities they did during the day. I can't wait until next year when we get to have another science day!

The day began with a great science presentation! Here the presenter, with the help of another teacher, is demonstrating how air travels when force is applied to it.

The stations I taught all day dealt with magnets and racing cars! Students investigated the cars and learned that you could make them move by placing two similar magnetic poles next to each other. 

After a bit of practicing with the cars, we had a race to see who could make their car move the fastest without actually touching it with your hands - only magnets!

After the races were done and a winner was declared, students created chalk mazes and tried to stump their partner. We learned that turning these cars using just magnets was VERY difficult!

What a wonderful day we all had! It was a great last day before Spring Break! Enjoy your week off :)

Mock Elections

One of our key standards in second grade social studies is the community. After studying the job of mayor and the importance of this occupation, the students had an election and five candidates ran for the position of "mayor". With the help of their fellow learning club members, they were given a chance to develop a platform and come up with a speech to present to the class. Their speeches were inspiring and highlighted many important wants and needs, such as longer recess, more use of computers, no more strange noises from other students, and no shoes in school. It was interesting to see where their priorities lie! After a tough competition, the students elected their classroom mayor. Let's hope they're really up for this big job!

Here are two candidates giving their speeches in the front of the classroom. You couldn't take your eyes off of them as they spoke!

Bulletin Boards

This is just a short post to share a few math bulletin boards we have on our 2nd grade hallway. We are blessed with three bulletin boards to decorate and decided to keep one always reading, one always math, and alternate the last board between science and social studies. I've taken on the math bulletin board and have had a great time coming up with fun ideas! 

Our 2nd graders "hunted" for shapes around the school!

After investigating fractions in our classrooms, this board reinforces how fractions are all around us!

Floating Magnets

We've been studying magnets this week and the students have had a great time seeing what attaches to magnets, how much weight a magnet can hold, and learning about its north and south poles. Out of all of our investigations, however, the students most enjoyed figuring out how to make a cup float using a pencil and two magnets. We brainstormed lots of creative ideas, but in the end the students figured out that the north and south poles would allow the cup to float on the pencil. They had a great time moving the "magically floating cup" up and down the pencil. We have one more week of magnets and I'm excited to continue to allow the students to explore them through fun activities!