2nd grade rockets into space

We began by creating paper mache planets that did not turn out well so this time we created our own space ships. Using paper towel tubes, egg carton sections and colored paper each student created a rocket to hang in the classroom. Some of them got very creative and supplied launch pads. Others had flames shooting from the rear of the rockets. Each one was well designed and have flown well over their desks.

1st graders paint Texas Wildflowers Mural

Texas wildflowers came into bloom in the classroom the first week of April just as they are all along the highways. Each table was given over-sized paper with several wildflowers outlined and teamed up to create their murals.Of course when the flowers were done the kids had to add bees and butterflies too.

4th grade rubbings

We did these rubbings using a variety of ceramic tiles donated by a local supplier. Part of the lesson was to determine which of the tiles would produce a detailed rubbing and which technique would produce the best results--chalk, pencil or crayon. This is similar to the headstone rubbings we did at camp. The students seemed really impresed as the designs appeared and they were able to alter the pressure to produce a clearer image.

Learning about maps by creating our own island

The 1st grade looked at the antique maps and then drew thier own map of an imaginary island. Land forms were not a problem as several included mountains and waterfalls. They were good with including lakes and rivers and the ocean surrounding their island. But quite a few of them thought people should be part of the map and houses.
They did a great job on these and are mastering colored pencils.

Kinder creativity

If you bring in a sack of potentially recyclable materials and ask the kids to create something of their choice, they are all over the place. Some had so many ideas that they ran out of time to create something. others saw someone make something they liked and went for it. Most favorite was the binoculars and the car complete with wheels.

Making animal masks 1st grade

The elephant was really popular, no one wanted to be the monkey and adding noses and manes to the horse created gales of laughter. All in all it was a fun project but using styrofoam instead of paper plates made this much harder as the glue didn't want to stick. Sure made cutting the eye holes easier and attaching the pipe cleaners for ear pieces simpler.

3rd grade creates clay ecosystems/finger puppets

It was a busy month for creativity as the 3rd grade used a number of materials to create their ecosystems. They combined clay, sand and paper in a variety of ways to represent deserts, mountains and the tropics.
For president's day we created a pair of finger puppets to have a conversation. Lots of Obamas and other presidents from the flash card set.