Welcome to the zoo!

As an introduction to our animal unit, the students got to design zoos. They had to include at least 25 different animals, classifying them into exhibits. They also had to include paths, bathrooms, concessions and at least one other special feature. When they were done, they gave the class a tour of the zoo using action figures as tour guides.

Native American Projects

Seminole by Georgia

Lakota by Delaney F.


Menominee by Taya

Cherokee by Christian

Tuscarora by Tanner

Inuit by Austin

Pawnee by Grace

Dakota by Caitlyn

Pueblo (Hopi) by Jacob

Nez Perce by Sigrid


Apache by Kierra

Crow by Thomas


Mohawk by KC

Shawnee by Alaina

Iroquois by Delaney N.

Ojibway by Katira

Navajo by Jarrett

Choctaw by Brent

Shawnee by Brianna

Aren't these just amazing? The 5th graders worked so hard on their Native American projects. Thanks to all the Moms, Dads, Grandpas, Grandmas, and other people that helped out.

What is wrong with this picture?

Here is what is wrong with this picture:

1. It is January 9.
2. There is no snow.
3. The kids are playing football in their t-shirts.

That is what is wrong with this picture!

Eating Angiosperms

Angiosperms are plants that produce flowers and fruits. Today I brought in 19 different fruits and 19 knives and gave them to my 5th graders! What was I thinking?!!! Fortunately, nobody cut anything that wasn't a fruit (except for me - I cut my thumb) and the kids got to explore all kinds of fruits that surround the seeds for a plant. Some favorites - pomegranate, lime and mango. Some not-so-favorites - papaya (one kid said it smelled like meatloaf) and avocado.

Merry Christmas!

Well, I have made it through the crazy Christmas season. The 5th graders have created 6 different ornaments, successfully completed a Secret Santa activity, sang in a holiday concert, and had an exciting Christmas party - including a surprise visit by Santa.

I am kind of happy to forget about school for a few days and just focus on my own family and friends. I might even read a book that isn't school related.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season filled with good food and fellowship. (And don't forget about the Social Studies projects that are due on January 9th!)

6th Grade Chemistry Christmas Party

For our last day of science in 2011, we had a chemistry party. We made borax crystal snowflakes and snowy trees out of laundry bluing and ammonnia. We also made a great big tub of ooblek.

What is ooblek? It is just ordinary corn starch and water, but when mixed together it makes the greatest slimy mess ever! Ooblek is called a non-newtonian liquid - which means it acts like a solid when firm pressure is applied to it, but it is also a liquid and will run between your fingers. Each student got to spend some time walking across and then sinking into the ooblek.

As a special gift from me, the class got a bag of candy chemistry experiments - pop rocks, zotz, and wintergreen lifesavers (who doesn't like making sparks in your mouth?!)

It's Christmas Time in Hill City

It was Christmas program day. Oof! That means practice in the morning and the "real thing" in the afternoon. It means lots of little girls in pretty dresses and boys in ties. It also means I didn't get any prep time today and had to wait 4 1/2 hours to go to the bathroom.

This is a hard-working, musically-talented class. Many of my kids have been giving up their recesses to come in and work on singing and playing their instruments with Mr. Kneeland. And boy, can you tell! Some years I have to play "Name that Tune" when the band starts, but this year the songs were loud, together and very recognizable!