October 2012

Miss Camper's Class Learns About Gravity

Submitted by annalyn.greer on
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The students in Miss Camper's class had a lesson about gravity.  The students went to different groups to test objects to see which would hit the ground first.

At one center,  Mrs. Smith, a second-grade helper, pulled out a paper clip and an orange ping pong ball, and asked which one would hit the floor first when she dropped them.  Almost all of the students in her group said "The paperclip will hit the floor first."  Most of the kids were wrong because the ping pong ball hit the ground first.

At another group some 6th grade students showed the students balls of paper and erasers.  All of the students made the hypothesis that the eraser would hit the ground first.  But, the result was that they hit the ground at the same time.

In another group they tested a feather and a piece of paper.  The paper hit the ground first.

At another group there was a marble and a ping pong ball to drop.  A second-grade student, Kami, said "The marble will hit the ground first."  Another student, Alondra, said "The pencil will hit the floor before the paperclip."  

The students had a fun time learning about gravity.  As you can see, these kids are very smart.

Pictures and story by 6th grade reporters Elizabeth Anne Crook and Joseph McCoy Jacklin.

Attributions
Student Reporters: Elizabeth Anne Crook and Joseph McCoy Jacklin

A Visit from Officer Irvine

Submitted by kali.brown on
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On Wednesday, September 19th, Officer Irvine took time out of his busy schedule to visit the second grade students at Santaquin Elementary.  He talked about safety and making smart choices.  We are grateful to the important members of our community who help keep us safe.

Johnny Appleseed Visits Santaquin

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Jonathan Chapman (September 26, 1774 – March 18, 1845), also known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer who introduced apple trees to America.  He became an American legend while he was still alive because of his kind and generous ways, his great leadership and the importance he placed on apples.  On September 26th, our 2nd grade students were treated to a visit from this legendary figure.  Stories were read and tales were told ... "an apple seedling tree in one hand and book in the other."

Santaquin's 'Magic Makers'

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We have amazing faculty and staff members at Santaquin Elementary and our wonderful PTA has decided to spotlight them!  This week we learned a little more about Mrs. Greer (6th), Miss Levi (2nd), and Mrs. Hogan (1st).  We are so grateful to have these Magic Makers at our school because they help us remember every day how ... The Magic Begins With YOU!

Character Education at Santaquin Elementary!

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Character Education ... Honesty 495.58 KB

Character Education is alive and well at Santaquin Elementary!  These students have all been chosen by their teachers for demonstrating how "we show respect for ourselves and others" by practicing HONESTY with fellow classmates and friends.  Thank you for setting such a great example for all of us!

S.M.A.R.T New Author Visits Our School

Submitted by annalyn.greer on
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S.M.A.R.T. Author Visit 276.71 KB

 Author Adam Glendon Sidwell  visited our school on Wednesday, September 27th.  He immediately got our attention by showing us some of the films he and his brother helped make.  He was involved in the animation for such films as Pirates of the Caribbean, Tron, Toy Story 3, Spiderman, The Incredibles, Night at the Museum,  Avitar, and King Kong!!    What a fantastic way to earn a living.

                Mr. Sidwell gave our young writers some very "SMART" advice.  Using the letters from "SMART" he listed 5 elements to include in every story:

Structure:  Have a good beginning, then build the action or conflict and finally resolve the conflict in the end.  

Moral Choice:  The characters in the story should have to make a choice.

Aim to Finish:  Don't forget to revise the story.  Ask your friends and family to read it and give you feedback.

Real Life:  Give the characters meaningful dialogue that moves the plot along.  Think of using your real life experiences for inspiration.

Theme:  Find a central idea.  Think about who your audience is.

                Students were encouraged to  share stories with friends, create comics, write scripts and make movies.  

                A winner was drawn from the students at the school and given an autographed copy of Mr. Sidwell's book,  Evertaster.  Paden Kunz was the lucky student.  Paden has already read the book and reports that he really enjoyed it.