We started out strong with a CSI style Math Mystery: "Who Stole Santa's Sleigh?"  The kids used critical thinking skills to solve addition, multiplication, and fraction problems.  The answers provided clues to eliminate suspects, finally revealing the criminal. 

We continued to use our convergent thinking skills to solve a Holiday Sweets Logic Puzzle.  This was a HARD one, so after giving it a good try, we worked on it together.  With a bit of help, they were able to get it solved!  We also finished up our Hidden Pictures, using ordered pairs to reveal a picture.  Our convergent thinking skills also came in handy for our Holiday Jigsaw Puzzle.  The kids gave it a good go during most of the morning!

Later on, we gained additional information from two more Forensic Stations.  Mrs. Obenschain helped us to analyze a Mystery Stain found at the scene.  We also analyzed the pH of the water found in the ice cube tray and compared it with regular water.  The kids compared the footprints found at the scene with samples of  the suspects' footprints.  After adding this new information to their Data Sheets, the kids formulated theories about the crime.  In the end, they all agreed that it is likely the suspects worked together, so they could get Felix's money.  Great job with the evaluative and convergent thinking there kids!

We wound up our day with a Christmas Mystery to solve, with the help of the Puzzle Club.  The kids enjoyed solving another case to close out our Mystery Unit.  
Target Class will resume the week of January 13th.  I hope you'll join us for the January Target Kick-Off Open House on January 13th, 7:20-8am in the Media Center.   
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Have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Dr. Kraeger

The kids were SO excited to be back together for Target!  

Stations:
We used our mathematical thinking to create "Hidden Pictures" of Holiday Bells.  The kids did a great job on these colorful, festive pictures!  Check them out in our classroom, if you get the chance!  We used our divergent thinking to create solutions for our December F2OE.  Take a look at the awesome creativity outside our room. 
 
Unit Study:
We welcomed Mrs. Lobello back for a visit to help us out with one of our Forensic Stations today.  The kids tested fibers to see what type of fibers were found at the scene of the crime.  We also had Mrs. Obenschain help with testing the pH of the Coca-Cola found at the scene.  The kids had an interesting discovery at the this station.  Finally, the kids used their convergent thinking to decode a Mystery Note found at the scene.  The note has some VERY important information to help us get closer to solving this case.  
We started a Christmas Mystery, called Santa S.O.S.  Then we watched an Encyclopedia Brown Mystery, but didn't quite get to finish it.

No Homework this week.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger