November in OE for kindergarten began with the last round of cider. We followed that with some help outside by planting a memorial tree and collecting pine cones to make ornaments for birds. We then explored weather by making pinwheels to measure wind, looking at our anemometer and then trying to find wind with our pinwheels on a surprisingly calm day. We finished by learning about how animals know when winter is coming while reading a book on a hike.  

In first grade we learned about a famous early settler named Johnny Appleseed when he visited the class to read his book at the campfire.  Students also practiced a few chores that pilgrims would have done long ago, even in the cold.  We planted tulips that we’ll be able to force to bloom early in our greenhouse.  We also explored the outdoors by measuring the circumference of trees in search of the largest tree.  We finally ended the month by learning about how squirrels store up food for winter and trying to hide and find corn outside. 

Second grade OE in November focused primarily on Pioneers. We spent a couple weeks learning about animal tracks and tracking, a skill pioneers would have needed for hunting. We also made some plaster casts of animal tracks to take home. We then spent a couple weeks preparing for and journeying on our ACS version of the Oregon trail in which students pushed wheelbarrow wagons through the woods facing a variety of challenges. Of course, hunting with the marshmallow shooters was a highlight. Second graders also took some time to finish their art made from leaves based off the art from the book leaf man.  

Third graders explored the great lakes by comparing various measurements of size, like surface area, perimeter, depth, and volume.  We also reflected on how great a resource of freshwater we are blessed with and the importance of taking care of it.  Third graders also spent some time learning about Native Americans.  They cooked popcorn and made popcorn balls while working on the wigwam at the Native American village.  They also learned how Native Americans lived in the past compared to now and got a chance to try some traditional Native American games. 

Fourth grade OE began with another simulation in which students relied on hearing rather than to find animals (classmates) that made the same sounds as them.  They also spent time connecting to tolerance like they learned about in science.  They toured areas around school to notice the different plants that do better in different conditions.  They also looked at some invasive species and how they can take over because of their large range of tolerance.  Fourth grade also spent time preparing our garden for winter and planting winter crops in the hoophouse.  

Students worked hard this month to do some maintenance on our Native American Village before the snow came. They successfully completed Tipi, rebuilt parts of the Longhouse and Made some incredible progress on the Wigwam. Mr.Hoo returned to do some special work on the wigwam and pass on stories of prominent characters from our Native History.

In November the 6th Grade students piggy backed on what the students have been focusing on in science this month, weather! We talked about if we believe our actions over time can affect the world around us and how it has ebbed/flowed over time (ice ages/large weather related events in history/Noah and the flood). We talked about how God created the world in perfect balance and what wonderful things we do to help our planet stay healthy every day. We were able to do this through fun games and activities defending our planet and healing it. 

After thanksgiving and a snow day, seventh grade OE was brief in November.  We wrapped up our topic on tree identification and moved on to talk about watersheds which will tie into the salmon study.  We explored the watershed at school and considered potential sources of pollution.  We’ll also learn how macroinvertebrates (bugs) can give us a clue how healthy a water system is.  

In eighth grade our primary focus was on preparing for the legacy project.  We spent time brainstorming ideas and evaluating which ideas will be the best ones to pursue before we begin the process of researching the best ideas.  We also took a break to enjoy a sit spot and retreat to the quiet alone as Jesus often did.  We took a break for one of the days to take advantage of the fresh snow and enjoyed snowshoeing for one of the class periods!