Mrs.+Taunton's+Sensational+Science+News

= = = Fun websites to visit: =

National Geographic: Check out their daily news!
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= NEWS: =

SCIENCE FAIR HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED! - Due date: MAY 1, 2012
==== I have been working with your students to prepare them for the Science Fair that is approaching fast! I have sent two letters home reminding students and parents of the requirements for this project as well as an outline to follow when putting it together on a project board. It is greatly encouraged that parents work with their students on the project! Aside from the letters that were sent home, I am providing a link to project board ideas. Remember, this is meant to be a fun learning experience! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. ====

[|Science Fair Board Idea]

= = = What we are learning in class: =

==== 1. We have been learning about the lunar cycle and the continuous pattern the moon follows in our night sky. Students have been tracking the lunar phases every night for homework for the month of February and will continue this for March. ==== Remember:
 * students are expected to predict the phases if they are unable to see the moon in our night sky
 * ==== lunar cycle takes __about__ 30 days to complete ====
 * ==== there are 8 phases ====

[|Stardate] **This site will help you track the lunar cycle online. Simply apply the correct month and year.**

==== 2. We will begin learning about the water cycle and how the Sun interacts with the water on the surface of Earth. We will be learning about evaporation, condensation, transpiration, precipitation, and accumulation which are the basic processes in the water cycle. Play the game I have linked below! ====

[|Water Cycle game]
====3. Every day in my classroom, the students track the daily weather. The students are noticing trends with the weather changing throughout the day and as seasons change. You student will soon be learning about the difference between weather and climate.====
 * ==climate is the average weather in a region or area over a period of time==
 * ====EXAMPLE: the climate in North Dakota is cold and snowy, but the climate in South Texas is hot and humid====


 * =weather is the daily condition of the atmosphere - weather can change any minute, hour or day=
 * ====EXAMPLE: the weather this morning is 20C and windy, but this afternoon expect rain and a drop in temperature====

CHECK OUT THESE COOL WEATHER GAMES >

[|WEATHER DOG GAME] [|Edheads WEATHER]

***PLEASE HELP YOUR CHILD STUDY BY REVIEWING THE FOLDABLES IN THEIR SCIENCE JOURNAL. YOUR STUDENT KEEPS AN IN DEPTH JOURNAL IN MY CLASS THAT IS INTENDED AS A RESOURCE TO SUPPORT THEIR LEARNING.***