Oobleck

We concluded our study of the states of matter by creating Oobleck from corn starch and water. Oobleck has unusual physical characteristics, that of a non-Newtonian fluid. The children were investigating to find out when did the oobleck act like a liquid and when did it act like a solid? As well as why they thought it acted that way. Several very perceptive young scientists connected the properties of Oobleck to those of quicksand. Where are you people vacationing?!

Gingerbread People

As soon as everyone had arrived at school we began measuring and mixing all the ingredients for old fashion gingerbread people. The various spices (cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and all spice) curled many noses initially, though they all found it quite intriguing that when all mixed together they smelled rather nice. As it turns out Jessie is a baker extraordinaire! She was a pro at measuring 1/2 teaspoons of whatever and mixing the very difficult to mix dough until it was the correct consistency. Many tried their hand at rolling out the dough and everyone cut out either a girl or boy cookie. Later in the day after reading The Gingerbread Girl we had great fun frosting and decorating our gingerbread people.

Character Quilt

After reading The Josephina Quilt Story the children created character quilt blocks using 1 inch pieces of construction paper. The small squares had to be cut in halves and quarters and then either flipped or rotated to complete each quilt block. Not an easy task as we soon found out! After that they had to figure out which array best suited the number of completed quilt blocks. Finally, following the tradition of each corner using the same quilt block they had to find a way to put all the blocks together in a pattern that was pleasing to the eye. Every completed quilt was different which then necessitated a democratic vote, with eyes closed of course. Here are the final 5 with demo quilts. Can you pick the winner?