In a recent post, Dr. Patterson wrote the following:

Ally -

Thanks for the update! Isn't it amazing how every animal has its own unique habitat! What if humans lived in an ant habitat? That would seem kind of silly, wouldn't it? 

Ally and Rancher friends, did you know that for its size, an ant can carry a lot of weight? Any chance you could find out how much weight they can actually carry? If you have a minute, research this answer and let me know what you found.

I shared his post and asked students if they thought we would be able to find his answer this week. I heard, "This week, what about now?" So what could I say? I asked students where they thought we could find the answer. Jake said the computer, Elliott said an Encyclopedia, Jacob said a book, Ally said we needed to gather some ants and observe them, and other students said our Science Textbooks. So-off they went! Three students went to the back of the room and logged onto National Geographic for Kids, Wonderopolis, and Time for Kids. 

Kole looked on the website Wonderpolis to see what he could learn about Ants. Jake went to National Geographic for Kids to watch the animal videos on Ants to see what he could learn.  

Ally decided to look in our Science Textbook.  Kellan and Hannah found a leveled reader about Ants. 

Elliott and Luke looked but.......

I love the fact that it didn't deter them. Didn't find it, maybe I could look somewhere else. 

Natalie was the first to find the information. 

After Natalie shared her information with the rest of the class, we considered what it would be like to live in an Ant Habitat. They are currently writing their ideas about this, so check back with us. 

Ally's update:

 

My class is lurning about ants we lurnde that fire ants are bad and that black ants are not as bad.

We know that fire ants can have a city of ants. And we now lot’s about compsse  roses.

 And ware having  fun with it too. And thats all to day!

On September 11, OES held Goodies for Grandparents for Second Grade. I loved being able to meet so many precious grandparents and was so glad so many came to eat breakfast with my students.

Hannah and her grandparents

Natalie and her cousin Grant with their Grandmother

Jake and his grandparents

Kristopher Michael and his cousin with their grandparents

Juliana and her grandmother

Ally and her grandmother

 

I am sorry that I missed getting a picture of Kellan and her grandparents and Trevor and his grandfather.

 

The Week for Dogs

This week Samson also came to our class. Students really enjoyed reading with Samson.

Every student had a chance to read with Samson.

For Natalie, it wasn't so easy........Samson was very comfortable and Natalie just couldn't see the words.

 

I wanted to share Allena's question and several from another student. The second card did not have a name on their card, but as you can see they had some great questions.

 

 

 

Questions, Questions, Questions!

My students loved learning about the animals at the shelter, but just needed more time! They had so many questions. They were told to write them down and that their teacher would send them their questions. I wanted to share some of them with you..........

 The comment/questions above came from: Elliott, Ally, and Kellan

These comments/questions came from: Jacob, Natalie, and Kole

 

Spartanburg Humane Society and Dae

Our class had a special treat this week when Mrs. Norris and Mrs. Woodward brought Dae to teach students about the process of adopting animals from the shelter. Each student was asked to "play a part" in the steps necessary to get an animal ready to be adopted.

Students learned one of the first things the animals needed was food and water.

Natalie helped feed Dae.

Hannah gave Dae some water.

Juliana gave Dae a nice blanket so she could have a comfortable place to lay down.

Caitlin and Allena next showed us what they used to give Dae a bath and get her cleaned and beautiful. They want to make sure the animals don't have fleas and ticks. Students learned that these "pests" cause much discomfort and irritation for animals.

Ally and Adryiana were there to "dry" her off and share some love.

Chrissa got to walk Dae and give her some exercise. It's important to get the animals moving so they can........you guessed it!

Jeremiah demonstrated the process of testing the animals "poo" for heartworms. Thankfully they had a plastic example for him to pick up. Jeremiah "took a sample" and had it sent for testing. When they got the results, they were able to take care of Dae.

He was able to give her the medicine needed to keep her from having roundworms.

Elliot is offering his love and comfort to soothe Dae.

Jacob listened to her heart.

Edward checked her ears.

Trevor got to take Dae's temperature with a neat thermometer used against Dae's tummy. I know he was glad when he heard he didn't have to use the traditional thermometer to check her temp. Did you know a dog's temperature is 101 degrees? We learned that Dae's temp was just great! He also gave her the medicine to prevent her from having heartworms.

We learned that all animals need someone to play with. Grant was helping to teach Dae to "Shake" and give a "High Five".  

Jake helped Dae learn to roll over. After all the love and care, students learned that the "animal" would then be ready to be adopted.

Dae was so sweet to work with our students and help them see what an important job the Spartanburg Humane Society has for the animals in our backyard.

The second grade classes at Oakland are currently involved in a Project Based Learning Unit of Study about animals. We are learning about the different species of animals, their habitats, and how the environment impacts animals. We are also doing our part to make a difference for the animals of South Carolina.

We are taking donations for the Spartanburg Humane Society to help support them and all they do for our community. They are in need of the following items:

blankets (new or used), pedigree dog food, cat food, bath towels and paper towels, toys for the animals, and monetary donations.

It is our goal to not only teach students about animals, but help them see they can make a difference in the life of animals here in the state of South Carolina.