Mrs. Atkin's Kindergarten: Human Transportation and more!

This week we focused on the most basic way of transportation: oneself. We brainstormed multiple ways humans can transport themselves just by using their own power and energy. We talked about how infants transport themselves when they want something. Some students that have younger siblings or cousins made personal connections by saying their brother/sister crawls to get a toy. They also made the connection that even if an infant can’t walk they can be transported by an adult carrying them. We made a list of ways humans transport themselves, and the list consisted of but not limited to: walking, crawling, jumping, running, skipping, etc... We also began talking about what it would be like to not have any equipment to help us move things. Students were intrigued by wondering what people used to do when there were no wheels to transport large items that could not be carried. We made a list of ways people could transport things without help of “technology.” They came up with the ideas of pushing, pulling, and carrying being the three most effective ways to transport things without the help. Of course we then needed to test our thoughts!

We came up with a simple document in order for the students to record their observations and data. As you can see we tested several objects like a box of crayons, an easel, a chair, a beanbag chair, as well as a few other objects. In order to get an accurate answer, we tested each object. The students thought it was very silly to even try to push or pull a box of crayons. But, when it came to the table, they realized some things are just too big or heavy to carry and pushing or pulling might be the best rout.

Here are some photos of the students testing out pushing, pulling, and carrying

different classroom objects.

push

"pull"

"carry"

"pull"

The students have continued to work on the "Train Station Hotel."

Everyday new elements are added while other elements are edited.

Many have also been building airplanes and other sources of transportation.

Other Exciting News...

Two weeks ago, two of our students came running to me telling me a "BIG branch" had fallen from the tree just outside the playground fence. They took me to the spot and asked if we could bring it into the classroom. I waited for a day when it wasn't horribly cold, and no snow on the ground to rescue the fallen branch. Once myself and two students got to the branch we realized it was far too big for our classroom. We had to break several branches and it still took three of us to carry it into the building. As soon as we brought it into the classroom the students couldn't help but grab the magnafying glasses and explore the "camoflauge" branch. We are still not certain how we are going to use this beautiful element of nature in our classroom but we will brainstorm together and I'm sure we will come up with something beautiful!

I will be certain to share how this "BIG branch" will inspire us.

This week we also earned the last of our buckeyes. The studnets had many great ideas on how to celebrate but they choose to have a few extra minutes in the ipad lab. They enjoyed their time!