There Are Many Different Animals – is the first line of inquiry for this unit. We asked Waterfall students to look at several animal shape stamps and use their imagination- What animal is it? Then, students guessed the animals and decided where to place animals in the areas where they live. Later one student even saw an elephant shape in water print on the ground, “Look, an elephant!” and another made a cute animal stamp towel! Also, Waterfall students played a game for practice on YouTube Guess the Animals- Land, Water or Sky? 

Earlier in this UOI, Sharing the Planet, Waterfall students learned about many animals, including the polar bear! They said it lived in a snowy place! This week they compared more Arctic animals like seals, rabbits, owls, and beluga whales, and more! They noticed one thing that is the same – They are all white!  So, are they all cold, too? No, they have a lot of fur, so they are not cold!  The students got to feel some cotton- it was soft and warm just like the dog we got to pet earlier this week! Next, they helped some sad, hairless sheep and rabbits get warm by adding a lot of fur so they would not be cold in snowy places.

Last week we met Shiro-chan, a well behaved pet dog from Canyon class who was excited to meet everyone! This week it was time for Waterfall students to share their pets and other animal findings. Waterfall Students got to look at a pet beetle and then some were risk-takers and touched a shed cicada skin for Show and Tell. Waterfall students are encouraged to ask classmates questions about caring for their animals, like: What does it eat? Who gave it to you? and How do you help it?

Last, but not least, Waterfall students used their bountiful tomato harvest to make mini-pizzas for a Pizza Party during Snack Time. There were so many snacks as well after they got to whack the watermelon! Everything was so tasty!