6th grades takes part of Adopt-A-Classroom through the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program. We had a visit from three farmers from Olney, Illinois, which is four hours south of Chicago. Kenzie Zwilling, Richland County Bureau Manager, and Kevin and Megan Brinkley, Young Leaders, spent the afternoon with us. Our special guests lead an educational and fun activity about future commodities. Pairs of students were given a bag of M & M Candies and worked together to work through a hands-on activity that gave the students a sense about futures markets and how farmers sell their crops. After the activity, our Ag buddies entertained questions what it is like to work in the field of agriculture. Students also asked questions about the town of Olney, which is home to many farms and white squirrels. With agriculture being one of the top industries in Illinois, it is important for students to know what career opporutnities are available. It's also important for all of us to know where our food comes from and about the hard working farmers. We look forward to connecting with our ag buddies during this school year.
Sixth grade students have been learning about the importance of soil. Through their explorations, students learned about soil horizons, the properties of soil, and businesses who rely on soil. One of our final projects was conducting a science lab that tested the pore space, pH levels, drainage, color, and particle type. The last activity that is yet to come is a visit from our ag buddies from Richland County. The manager from the Richland Farm Bureau and two Young Leaders will visit the students to teach the students about the importance of agriculture, and answer questions from friendly letters the students wrote to their ag buddies. Photos of their visit will be posted in the near future.
pH test
pH test
pH test
Drainage test
Drainage test
Drainage test
Particle test
Particle test
Particle test
Particle test
Particle test--after filling a jar 2/3's full, soil was added until it reached the neck of the jar. The jar was then sealed and shaken to mix up the soil particles.
Now it's time to wait, observe, and record the data. This is a photo of the soil samples after 10 minutes. The soil particles are already starting to separate into the soil horizons.
Close up views of some of the samples.
The next step will be to measure the horizons and record the data, using a mathematical formula. Students will also feel the soil levels and use a texture chart to help determine what type of soil each layer is.
Photo of sample one day later.
48 hours later
48 hours later
A week later and the students measured the layers of soil and used a soil texture profile to determine the type of soil each lab team had.
Sixth graders wrote friendly letters to their Ag buddies as part of Agriculture in the Classroom. This is a wonderful program that brings ag to students in order to educate them about the world of agriculture and its importance not only in Illnois, but also the world. Students will get an opportunity to meet, conduct an experiment, ask questions, and spend time with our ag buddies on November 30. We are looking forward to meeting our new friends.
5th grade students used and learned many skills while completing their projects about Native Americans from Illinois. This collaborative project involved research, the use of Google Docs and Slides, writing, standard English skills, making judgments about what is valid research and what is not, and good digital citizenship skills (citing sources and writing information in your own words). This was a challenging project for the students, but their hard work paid off for them.
Below are QR codes that the students learned how to create. Please feel free to view the projects and leave positive comments for the students and/or click a reaction. Students, you are also invited to leave positive comments and/or click a reaction for your classmates.
As you know Natalie is competing in the World Cadet Organization for Chess. Natalie's Dad sent me an update and I wanted to share it with you. "Natalie was able to win today with the player from Finland and we are still in the game for a good place or even the medal! There are 107 players in Natalie's section for girls under 12 and there are over 800 player in total from 80 countries!!!"
