Last week we had 2 chicks in room 9 that unfortunately did not hatch.  We talked to the children about life cycles and death is part of the life cycle.  The children wanted to crack open the 2 chicks that did not hatch to see inside and to put it into a jar to observe versus bury the chicks.  The following Monday we brought 3 more chicks to the class and used a different incubator.  The early bird hatched on Tuesday and the other 2 hatched on Wednesday.  After taking a vote (because Room 9 LOVES to vote), we named our chicks Silver Mist (marked with a blue dot), Cheepy (marked with a green dot), and Spike (marked with a pink dot).  We will be sending the chicks home for those who have signed up to chick-sit.

We had another science experiment this week that involved placing 2 fresh eggs in vinegar to see what would happen. The children recorded their predictions on what they thought would happen to the eggs after being soaked in the vinegar for 4 days. 

What did happened: Eggs contain something called "calcium carbonate". This is what makes them hard. Vinegar is an acid known as acetic acid. When calcium carbonate (the egg) and acetic acid (the vinegar) combine, a chemical reaction takes place and carbon dioxide (a gas) is released. This is what the bubbles are made of. The chemical reaction keeps happening until all of the carbon in the egg is used up. When you take the eggs out of the vinegar they were soft because all of the carbon floated out of the eggs in the little bubbles. The eggs were suppose to bounce on the ground, but they did not. We will continue this experiment next week using a hard boiled egg and to see if it will bounce on the ground afterwards.

Our 2nd annual Camp CUPS took place on Friday.  This year had a slight twist with the children donning their pajamas as they came up with the idea of wearing their pajamas for camp day.  Thanks to a few parents and their boy scout skills, we had a 10-man tent pitched right outside of our classroom lanai.  The day started with an all-time favorite camp activity (making God's Eyes) and some relays next to the tent.  While we went out to recess, the lunch spread was put out and included: hot dogs, chips, celery sticks, and apple wedges.  The children had a story read to them and ate lunch in the tent.  After lunch, the children roasted marshmallows to make their own s'mores.  One child's thoughts on the day, "This is the BEST day ever!"  To end our eventful Camp CUPS day, the children got cozy in their sleeping bags/blankets to watch a movie and eat popcorn.  

This week we have been learning about the meaning of St. Patrick's Day and the legend of the four leaf clover. Did you know according to legend, each leaf represents something: the first is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck? We learned about the legend of wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns that will pinch you if they can see you not wearing this color. In honor of St. Patrick's day, we read the book  Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr. Seuss. The children then made their own green eggs and ham to try. Afterwards, we graphed how many children liked it and how many didn't like it. The results: 16 did like it and 2 didn't like it.  

Today was our debut performance of the Great Kapok Tree.  After weeks of practice, we performed at a SOLD OUT show in front of the entire school and our families.  The show has already gotten RAVE reviews and we are so proud of the children.  Here are some shots of the before and during the show.