Ms. Smelser teaches a brief lesson on the use of authentic Egyptian colors that students can apply to their coffin creations.

INTO THE WOODS . . .Fifth Grade and Kinder Buddies Hike the Blue Trail on Earth Day.

Buddies brought along their "binoculars" as we hiked the TCS Blue Trail on Earth Day. Nature "detectives" paused to examine, to listen to, and most importantly, appreciate the wonders of nature on our campus. 

A Pyroclastic Blast from the Past

Last Friday, Ms. Graft took us on a "tour" of the excavation site of Pompeii in a detailed slideshow that offered photos, visuals and extensive research, explaining what happened on that horrific day in A.D. 79. Ms. Graft also showed us how Giuseppe Fiorelli discovered a method for making plaster casts poured into the spaces left behind by the objects that became covered by volcanic ash and lava. These casts provided the modern world with a window into life of this ancient Roman trade center and vacation spot. Casts were made of humans, food, and everyday household items.

Ms. Grady also prepared kits so fifth graders could get a sense of the cast-making process using a variety of materials with an owl ice-cube as the "buried" shape. Hopefully, when the cast was set and ready to be taken apart, a mini version of Archimedes was turned out.  

Forming the cast around the owl cube

After the cube melts, the casting material is poured into its space and hardens. The the cast is then removed.

Archimedes is revealed! Fiorelli would be so proud!

Thank you, Ms. Grady, for our guided tour and activity that helped us to understand the tragedy and the miracle of Vesuvius' eruption!

A Heartfelt Greeting at Tuesday's Intermediate Morning Meeting

On Tuesday mornings the Intermediate team, fourth and fifth grades, join for a Morning Meeting where they greet each other in a variety of ways, share announcements and even take part in an early morning activity! This Tuesday the team watched a segment of video clips focused on "empathy" (even elephants are empathetic!) as they prepared for IDEA Day on Friday, April 27.