Algebraic Thinking:
The kids had fun meeting the challenge of solving what appeared to be a Secret Code in their math mystery, but was really just a family tree with symbols. They did a good job interpreting the symbols and relationships.
Unit Study:
With the help of our fantastic Parent Volunteers, we analyzed plenty of evidence today! We tested colognes from the suspects to see what matched the scent found on the towel at the scene. We also tested brown marker vs. brown food dye to see how they reacted when touched with water. We will compare these to a cloth with a brown streak that was found at the scene. We also analyzed the fibers and hairs that were lifted from the suspects sweaters and compared them to samples of various fibers and hair. The kids researched whether expired Coke is harmful, and found that it isn't.
The kids used their critical thinking skills to read and solve The Case of the Missing Backpack. This case involved several pieces of forensic evidence, as well as some evidence about time, place, and motive. They did a great job with it!
Later, we read another case from Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective. The kids were able to figure this one out! They are really beginning to analyze the clues and come to correct conclusions! We also watched a bit of another Case. The kids had a good lead on that one as well!
Stations:
The kids challenged their divergent, evaluative, and critical thinking with our latest Visual Vocabulary from today's Weighty Word-Kleptomaniac. It went very well with our whole Mystery Unit! The kids also used their divergent thinking to create wonderful images/representations of "Celebrate" for our November Idea Flood. Check out the picture below! Finally, they used their convergent thinking to solve a Versatiles problem. This one was similar to a logic puzzle, and they did a great job with it!
Affective Skills;
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with Body Scan. The kids were thoroughly engaged for the entire 6 minutes, really seeming to relax by the end.
No Homework!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Kraeger