January We have had a good start to winter and it has been fun to have a chance to really enjoy the snow.  We enjoyed the freezing temps by making some art with ice.  The snow was a lot of fun to play in and we were able to get some use out of our new snowshoes!  The snow also allowed for a lot of fun looking for signs of animals as we searched for tracks and other signs of animals to learn about how animals behave in winter. 

Preschool - Preschool came to visit OE for their outdoor day.  They enjoyed an entertaining puppet presentation of animals in winter and learned about what different animals do in the winter to survive.  

Kdg - Kindergarten had a lot of winter fun, including a presentation of the Animals in Winter puppet show which was followed by a trip outside to explore and observe signs of animals on the ACS property surviving winter.  We also had a fun time learning about two groups of ducks, dabblers and divers.  We practiced acting like the ducks and drew a picture of a duck to help us look closely at the features.  Kindergarteners also practiced patterns using items found in nature.

1st - First grade found many ways to explore winter this month, including the first class to use the new snowshoe!  They also enjoyed another version of the Animals in Winter puppet show.  graders also used all their senses to explore the outdoors in winter.  We were very selective with taste of course.  1st grade also listened to a book about animals in the snow and then practiced acting like them.  Ask a 1st grader for the favorite, an imitation of a fox hunting. 

2nd - Second grade explored the 3 states of matter in January.  The melted and boiled snow. They simulated the molecules of water gaining energy.  They also made fire starters with melted wax.  We talked about how melting the wax is a reversible change and using the firestarter to make a fire is an irreversible change.  We put our knowledge of the three states of matter to use when we froze beautiful pieces of nature in water to make ice suncatchers that decorated school for a week.

4th - Fourth grade began the new year with some time at the team challenge elements in the woods.  After attempting the challenges, students were able to reflect on how their participation affects the class team and were encouraged to put their best efforts into helping the class succeed in learning. We also spent some time learning about Michigan’s logging history and worked through a season as lumber barons in a simulation game.

7th - Seventh grade has been enjoying learning about combustion and applying our knowledge to various techniques and tips for starting fires in the wilderness.  Learned tips about how to collect good tinder and kindling as well as using tools like flint and steel and the bow drill.  There were varying levels of success, but all were able to try and improve their skills in these ancient arts.

8th - Eighth grade has narrowed down the list of potential legacy projects to the most reasonable options. They are now working to research some of their favorites. These will be presented to a panel of staff for input and feedback.