3rd Grade Artist

The 3rd Grade learners are busy researching and analyzing various styles of art. They have been compiling their information in a mini-documentary that will be completed this spring. Be on the look out for their "movie premiere". Shown in this post are their "Surrealistic School Supply" art pieces. Students had to use our SCAMPER thinking strategy to modify a common school supply into the style of surrealism.

1st/2nd Rockin' Roller Coasters

1st and 2nd Grade learners have been exploring potential and kinetic energy by researching and observing roller coasters.We have examined how gravity, air resistence and friction affect velocity of roller coasters and the science behind constructing a successful roller coaster. Learners used their gained knowledge to  construct their own roller coaster given certain materials.

A New Semester

Hello, again! It seems like yesterday we began school and in a blink of an eye it's February!!! So much has happened this year and so this post will be a lenghty one! Your children amaze me every week and the work they are accomplishing is truly impressive! Not to mention we have had a blast in the process!

I hope you will enjoy the information and pictures of your incredible learners!!!!
Amy Smith

We are off to a SUPER start!

Hello QUEST Enthusiasts!!!
Well, we have had a stupendous start to our school year! All grade levels began by analyzing their "super powers" and symbolically representing their attributes by creating their own super hero. These remarkable super heroes can be found overseeing the QUEST hallway. Come and take a look!!!!

Supersonic
The first and second grade learners have been analyzing and categorizing toys. We began an experiment this week involving pull-back cars to determine if their was a correlation between distance "pulled" and distance traveled. We discussed the difference between potential and kinetic energy and learned what a variable was and how it can be used in experimentation.

Super Structures
The budding artists and art critics of third grade have been viewing the art elements from a variety of perspectives. We used the art elements this week to better understand how artists express their ideas in a painting. The learners even had a chance to begin creating their first masterpiece!

Supernatural
 The fourth grade learners discovered the Fibonacci Sequence by analyzing a pine cone. They compared all the "families of helices" found on a pine cone and documented the patterns. What fun!
** "Brainwork" was sent home this week. We discussed this week how the Fibonacci Sequence has been used to explain nature and it is their job to explore the connections between math and science. Learners were asked to be observers of their surroundings and document their "Fibonacci Findings".  This brainwork is a continuous documentation of findings throughout the year, not something "due" next week. Don't be surprised if your child asks to visit the floral section at the grocery store OR if they begin cutting their fruit and vegetables in a different direction :)

Super Heroes/Super Powers
Our 5th grade topic of study began this week by examining super heroes to determine what aspects and attributes of these super heroes were plausible and non-plausible. Learners collaborated with a partner and determined the positive and negative aspects of a "super trait". Our study of super heroes continues with a discussion on character and perception of others.

Our "SUPER" Year

Welcome AND Welcome Back to QUEST!!!!
I am "super" excited to announce our "super-sized" theme this year.................SUPER!!!!!!
Each grade level will be developing and applying our QUEST objectives by analyzing what makes mechanisms, masterpieces, theories and attributes SUPER!


"Supersonic"
* First and second grade learners will be investigating the scientific principles of force and energy using toys.  Students will apply investigative techniques, basic physics and engineering principles while exploring and creating toys.  Students will conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, think critically and creatively, and develop reasoning and problem solving skills.


"Superstructure"
* Third grade learners will be analyzing art and architecture through myriad perspectives. Learners will examine the masterpieces of renowned artists and architects by researching techniques, styles and purpose of the individual work of art. Learners will also understand the influence art and architecture has on our daily lives.
  
"Supernatural" 
* Fourth grade learners will discover the fascinating world of Fibonacci and the Fibonacci sequence. Learners will dissect patterns in nature to realize how math can explain scientific phenomenon.


"Superpower/Superhero"
* Fifth grade learners will  be exploring and investigating power and science through the genre of fiction in order to develop critical and creative thinking strategies, metacognition, research, and affective reasoning skills. During our first semester we will scientifically explore superheroes in order to investigate power.  Students will differentiate truth from fiction based on scientific principles. They will also evaluate the character traits of superheroes and how those character traits impact society.  Second semester, students will explore real-life heroes and discover what makes these individuals "super". 
 

"QUEST"ions about YOU!

Click on the link below to share some important information about YOU!
"QUEST"ions about YOU! Survey

Welcome to Quest!

I am so excited to be working with your child this year!  Get ready to have some fun!