Welcome to another week of learning about "Animals" at TCIS!
This week, we delved deeper into the fascinating world of animals. We explored birds in detail, learning the names and functions of their various anatomical parts, as well as discovering intriguing facts such as how they secrete preen oil to repel moisture. Through hands-on experiments with water and duck feathers, we observed firsthand how water rolls off these feathers. We also learned about the different daily rhythms of animals and their unique defense mechanisms, from changing colors to releasing ink to detaching and regenerating limbs, that they employ to survive.
Additionally, we created a collection of animal-inspired art pieces, ranging from ladybugs to jellyfish to alligators, and honed our math skills with activities like counting birds’ eggs and making patterns with colored bears.
In our cooking class this week, we learned how to make our own parfaits. Using yogurt, milk, fruit jam, fresh fruit, and oats that have been pre-soaked in apple juice, we layered each ingredient carefully into dessert cups to create a beautiful dessert to take home.
With that, we’ve wrapped up our “Plants and Animals.” Next week, we begin our two-week exploration of “Water.” Check back for more updates!
Students cut out and labeled the various anatomical parts of a bird.
Duck feathers are coated with a waxy substance called preen oil. This helps ducks to stay dry and afloat in water. Students experimented with dripping water onto a feather and observed the water bead up and roll off. Afterwards, they worked on creating feathers out of colorful clay.
The students first assembled the body of the ladybug with glue. They then dotted spots onto colored paper that they then folded and cut to create flaps for its wings.
The older students learned about the differences between diurnal (day) and nocturnal (night) animals and practiced categorizing animals accordingly.
Students added triangular teeth to the letter A to make an “alligator.”
The younger students practiced counting eggs in a bird's nest and matching the number of eggs to the indicated numeral.
The older students used recycled materials and streamers to make jellyfish that swoosh around.
Students practiced AB and ABC patterns with colorful bears by predicting the next color in the sequence.
This week's cooking class involved making parfaits! On Thursday, students layered oats, yogurt, milk, fruits, and jam to create together their personal parfaits.
The students played in the sun and practiced balancing, running, and rolling balls in the playground.
