Listen for yourself:
This is the beginning of our first science unit of the year. We focus on the Earth's changing surface and begin with models of Earth's layers. We review the rock cycle and learn about more in depth (just wait until you hear Ricky the Rapping Rock) and then we look at the way the surface changes rapidly and slowly.
Wednesday is our annual trip to The Polar Caves. We love it there... it's a great time to wander around the wooded paths with friends, and a great time to see the fall foliage. The kids were a little concerned that there might be "bears in the caves" but we assured them that was not the case. These caves were actually formed when boulders broke off the side of Hawk's Cliff. According to the website, "The Polar Caves were formed an Ice age ago. Our caves are granite caves and do not have stalactites or stalagmites, which are found in limestone caves. Instead they were formed when the glacier moved overhead dropping boulders at the base of Hawk’s cliff. These boulders formed passageways, which over the years we have built boardwalks through to make a neat experience."
As a reminder, here is what the kids can expect for the trip and a list of expectations and reminders:
- Everyone needs to bring lunch and snacks. Please, no glass containers and bring drinks that can be closed easily.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Clean out your school backpack so you aren't carrying around extra weight.
- Students may bring electronics, ipods, and amusements for the bus ride. Students are responsible for their belongings and bring them at their own risk. All songs must be school appropriate.
- Students may bring no more than $10 spending money for the gift shop and/or rock collecting areas.
- Chaperones may ride the bus or follow in private cars-- it's up to you. As the green chaperone paper states, please check in with your child's teacher at 8:15.
- Students are expected to stay with the chaperones and meet at the agreed upon time. Please be prompt. If a chaperone has any problems with a student, please report it to a teacher right away.
- Chaperones are welcome to bring cameras! Please share any photos you have with us. We love pictures of adults trying to get through the Lemon Squeeze.
- Have fun!
