Plant Adaptations

     Good afternoon! Today was a most interesting day at school. This afternoon we learned how to play new game in math. The game is called Capture 5. The materials needed for the game were a deck of change cards, 12 markers of one color, a game piece for each player, recording sheet and a 100's chart. The game can be played by two people or two teams. The object of the game is to collect 5 markers.

     You begin the game by placing the 12 markers on the 100's chart so that each number is on a different number.  You then deal 5 Change Cards to each player or team while the remaining cards are placed face down.  The players are to then put their game pieces anywhere on the board.  We used teddy bear counters as our game pieces.

     Using any combination of your change cards (you can use 1, 2, 3, 4, or even 5), you must then move your game piece.  Remember that the goal is to land on a marker so you can capture it (take it off the board).  You must then record your moves as an equation.  For example, if I started on 27 and I drew three cards; +4, +10, +3, my equation would be 27 + 4 + 10 + 3 = 44.  My piece would have landed on 44.  If there were a marker on that spot, I would have captured it.

    Once you have recorded your move, you place the cards in the discard pile and draw replacement cards.  If the deck of change cards is used up, shuffle the discard pile for use.  The first player or team to capture 5 markers wins.  The students had an awesome time playing the game.  We started playing the game on Friday and finished it on Monday.  Below are some pictures for your enjoyment.

     After Math, the students were treated to fun art project with Mrs. Robinson.  It was actually a science lesson.  After learning about the ways a plant can adapt to various environments, the students were to create their own plant using a variety of items.  The items included pipe cleaners, cups, tissue paper, foil, pom poms, towel rolls and many other goodies.  The students were divided into teams and given a bag of these objects.  They then spent 10 minutes creating their plant.  Afterwards, the students had to name their plant, describe it, and explain the adaptations.  It was very interesting to watch the groups work together to perform this task.  Below are some pictures of their plants. 

    

     Well, I must be going.  Look for further updates coming soon.