Mosaic Freeschool

  • Home
  • Classes
    • Classes '22-'23
    • Past Classes
  • Facilitators
    • Mosaic Facilitators
    • Educator Network
  • Enroll
    • Admissions
    • Registration
    • Payment
  • Contact
  • Opportunities
  • Home
  • Classes
    • Classes '22-'23
    • Past Classes
  • Facilitators
    • Mosaic Facilitators
    • Educator Network
  • Enroll
    • Admissions
    • Registration
    • Payment
  • Contact
  • Opportunities

Mosaic Minutes

GEMS Science Class Summary 4/15/13

4/17/2013

 
Picture
Well, the jury has deliberated and the results are unanimous. After much discussion and debate the class has agreed that Kendra and Vera had something to do with Felix’s murder. Seven out of eleven of the students also think that Felix isn’t really dead and somehow got Kendra and Vera to join in with him to stage his own death!

BUT, we have a problem. The students had a lot of trouble getting evidence to back up their theory. Many could generally say why they came up with their theory, but kept getting confused when asked questions about the other evidence. SO, we actually HAVE HOMEWORK this week.

I think what the students really needed was to spend some time putting the pieces of the puzzle together. I told them what they needed to do was write a story about what happened that day, using as much evidence as possible. I told them there would still be questions left unanswered (which is very common in real life), but for the most part our most important pieces of evidence should be included in their story. I offered them any notes or worksheets we used in class to take home in order to help them. Just in case some students still need reminders, here is a list of the tests we conducted in class. (All of them are familiar with the results.)
  • The Brown Stain on the paper towel test = candy coating
  • Cola Test = Regular cola matched Alfredo’s cup, but not Felix’s.
  • Fingerprints - This test had a lot of different results based on each student’s observation.
  • Smells = There was some discrepancy with this test as well. Many students thought
  • Gene’s cologne was on the towel. Some thought it was Felix’s.
  • White Threads = The mystery threads found at the scene match cotton threads, not wool.
  • DNA Testing = The hair found on the comb matches Felix’s hair
  • Ice Cube Test = The ice water found at the scene did not match regular tap water.
  • Secret Note = Dear Martha, The deed is done. Felix is dead. I’ll be rich soon. Love, Vera (but the note was written in Kendra’s handwriting)
  • Powder Study = The blood drops were actually red food coloring mixed with a mysterious white powder that matched white powder found on Kendra and Vera’s shoes.
  • Tape Lift = Dog hair was found on Gene and Kendra’s shirts.

The photos are from our Clue Board and highlight the evidence that the class has decided is very important to the case, somewhat important, and not related to the class.

Spend some time this week having your child tell you what their theory is and what pieces of evidence lead them to that conclusion. They are welcome to embellish the story as long as it’s used to explain the evidence. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at chadandkimrodgers@gmail.com.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Gearing up for Ecology

After we share our theories at the beginning of class next week we will be taking a walk outside to our area of study for our Ecology Unit. If there is time the students will be making a map of the area. Here is a list of things that students should have:

  • A notebook or binder paper for an ecology journal (I will have clipboards available for those who would like to borrow one)
  • Rain boots, jacket, and hat
  • Any field guides they would like to use
I look forward to spending some time outside studying this world that is waking from it’s winter slumber! There’s a lot going on out there to explore and discover.


Comments are closed.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Afternoon Enrichment
    Closures
    Clubs
    Early Elementary
    Mosaic Texas
    Odyssey Of The Mind
    Out Of This World
    Philosophy
    Tesserae Fall 2012
    Tesserae Fall 2013
    Tesserae Fall 2014
    Tesserae Spring 2013
    Tesserae Spring 2014
    Tesserae Spring 2015
    Tesserae Spring 2016

    Archives

    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from nojhan, Clay Gilliland, mynameisharsha, kim siciliano salem, matthewvenn, photogirl7.1, El Bibliomata, ~Brenda-Starr~, Anne Worner, Heather Bickle, NASA Goddard Photo and Video, Black.Dots., marta.b, Felipe Venâncio, A. Galassi, bibliojojo, Bibliothèque - Les Champs Libres - Rennes, Robert Hensley, opensourceway, Greenland Travel, est1996x, John-Morgan, camnjeanacess, plindberg, chrisjtse, Vox Efx, philosophygeek, utpala ॐ, Cea., Phil Roeder, andreazgarcia, stevecadman, laynasaur, Steve A Johnson, mattk1979, Tattooed Hippy, spacepleb, Mateus Hidalgo, Todd Binger, TRF_Mr_Hyde, ComputerHotline, Hampshire and Solent Museums, Ben Sutherland, philip_sheldrake, WeeLittlePiggy, echiner1, gruntzooki, emmeffe6, saoire, symphony of love, ups2006, Dave_B_, bobsfever, Kelly Short6, RichardBH, frau-Vogel, Skype Nomad, giopuo, Tomi Tapio