Zoo to You
First grade students gather in the library for a presentation from the Richmond Metro Zoo.
On Friday, October 30th, we had the Richmond Metro Zoo come to our school. We learned about different animal coverings, such as scales
feathers
and fur.
We also got to meet some of the zoos animals. The students were very excited that the animals came. Although, they kept commenting on the smell. Poor T.J. the penguin had gotten a little nervous on his trip. As our librarian was quick to point out, “I enjoy it when the zoo comes, but my carpet doesn’t.” But she handles it well and let’s us use the library each year, which we appreciate greatly.
snake
penguin
Pumpkin Math
Students had to estimate how many seeds were inside their pumpkins.
On Thursday, October 29, we ended our afternoon with an estimation activity using pumpkins. Students were placed in groups of four to five students and given a pumpkin to observe. They were allowed to open the top and peek inside to determine how many pumpkin seeds were inside their group’s pumpkin. Then students were asked to give an estimate of how many seeds were in their pumpkin and their guesses were recorded. They then broke into groups and began taking out the seeds and “that gooey stuff.”
Many students were reluctant at first to place their hands in the pumpkin and “pull out its guts,” as one student commented, but soon after everyone was trying to get as many seeds onto their plates as possible. As Joseph was pulling out the seeds, he asked “Ms. deBordenave, can we change our estimates?” I think he was beginning to figure out that there were going to be more than 93 seeds, his original estimate, inside of his group’s pumpkin.
In order to count the seeds, students made groups of ten with their seeds on another plate. After grouping our seeds, we gathered around each group to calculate our results by counting by 10′s. The highest amount was 442 seeds! (A rather large number for First Graders.) Students then wanted to see who had gotten the best estimate and would ultimately win the pumpkin in each group. The students collected all the pumpkin seeds from each group and will try baked pumpkin seeds on Monday.
Don't forget the top!
What are some of the best fall activities you have done with your students or as a student? Why do they stand out to you? Looking forward to your comments.