School Notes: El Morro's Science Showcase; TOW's Life Skills Program

News releases from the Laguna Beach Unified School District:

El Morro Elementary Fifth-Graders Stage Science Showcase

fifth grade students recently conducted individual science experiments as a part of the school’s Science Showcase. This exciting, hands-on opportunity helped students develop their own scientific experiments and test their hypotheses by using the steps of the scientific methods:

• Ask a question
• Develop a hypothesis
• Conduct research
• Gather materials
• Test the hypothesis by conducting an experiment
• Make observations
• Analyze the data and make a conclusion
• Communicate results through a class presentation

El Morro Elementary School Principal Chris Duddy explains, “With the implementation of the new Common Core State Standards and an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), we are ahead of the curve by having the 5th grade students create experiments to test their theories and present them in the Science Showcase. Students learned the scientific process and how to conduct an experiment that can be measured over time. I enjoyed seeing the results of their thinking.”

El Morro Elementary School 5th Grade Department Chairperson Jay Williams remarks, “The Science Showcase is a standards-based project where each 5th grade student constructed an experiment covering a science standard. The students completed lab books, tri-fold posters, and hands-on experiments. The Showcase concluded with a presentation of the projects during Open House.”

Fifth grade student Morgan Franklin conducted the experiment, Does Light and Motion Affect a Photograph? She took multiple photographs at different lens speeds, confirming her hypothesis that light permitted into the camera through the lens affects the clarity of the photograph.

Piper Warner created the experiment, Erosion-Building Beaches. Piper’s analysis included materials such as a paint tray, water, sand, a fan and gravel. She tested her hypothesis that erosion affects the way shorelines are created. Piper manipulated the variables to see what new responding variable would take place and confirmed her hypothesis with a great measuring system.

Jagger Hawlish showcased his project, Plant Performance Drinks. Jagger’s experiment called for seven different types of liquids to be used to measure plant growth. Jagger and the class were very surprised to discover that his hypothesis was incorrect and milk produced the most significant measured results! Jagger’s showcase project produced a dynamic teaching moment as the class learned a rejected hypothesis is also a learning experience.

Top of the World Elementary School PE Program Promotes Healthy Choices

The PE Program is helping K- 5 students learn the fun of fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.

TOW Principal Ron La Motte remarks, “Coach Zach Wilson has been introducing some new structured playground lunchtime activities at TOW with great success. The goal is to promote a healthy school environment that fosters positive interaction and competition. Staff is noticing that kids love the activities and they are better prepared to learn when they come back to class after recess. Coach Zach is also presenting the new ‘Life Skills’ curriculum to our 5th grade students. It teaches students how to make positive, wise choices. This program replaces our DARE program and has been very well received by our students.”

This is Coach Zach’s first year at the District and he has enthusiastically embraced his role on the TOW team. In the Life Skills class, he uses relevant examples to help students identify ways to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The engaging hands-on activities promote active student participation.

Lessons for the eight-unit Life Skills Class include:

• Self Esteem
• Decision Making
• Smoking Information
• Advertising
• Dealing With Stress
• Communication Skills
• Social Skills
• Assertiveness

As a part of the school’s PBIS program, Coach Zach added recreational tournaments during the lunch recess. This friendly competition includes creative games that give participants the opportunity to interact with many other students.