We are off into the winter wonders.
Last Friday, 7th grade, Room 301, went to Montrose Point.
Our theme was geology, and specifically the formation of the great lakes and our local topography, the glaciers, etc.
I love this trip, because often the weather is extreme,
and the landscape so altered and foriegn,
I love the students' response,
the wonder and awe.
This past Friday,
the temperature was a bit more balmy than what I hoped for.
But the week before had been frigid.
When we reached the dune and beach the scene was surreal.
There were swirls of snow and sand,
streaked like tiramisu (student description)
that formed an infinite number of platforms, or mounds,
on top of which sat a galaxy of .... crystal balls,
from baseball size to basketball size,
many almost perfectly clear,
but with fine stringers of gas bubbles suspended in them.
Some were like "cat's eyes" marbles.
It was like the birth of the orbs,
a discovered planet where the stars, or outer planets were birthed.
The students loved it. They lifted and cradled these globes,
and held them close and frozen until they realized that there was nowhere to go with this treasure,
so they were released,
gently or with great energy,
to their own fate.
We broke through these superbly fashion sculpture,
like the proverbial bulls in china shops,
crashing and breaking and so much perfectly created art,
I am reminded of the seemingly endless generosity and creativity of Mother Nature.
This Artist was preparing to erase this work anyway.
Ephemeral art.
New ideas in the works.
By the time we return to the lake next Friday,
there will be a whole new show up,
minimalist or Gaudy-crazy,
always thrilling.
This week begins with the regular Monday tree classes with 1st grade.
Wednesday, January 24, 5th Grade, Room 304 Mighty Acorns will lead us into Sauganash Prairie Grove to cut invasives and to identify trees in winter using clues that we discussed in class: bud arrangement, distinctive bark, persistent fruit or seeds that hang in through winter. Volunteers meet at 9:00 by the fish tank for a briefing, then, onto the bus at 9:30. Back to school by 1:00. Lunch will be in the classroom upon return.
On Friday, January 26, 7th Grade, Room 303, travels to Montrose Point for the same trip as described above. Meet at 9:00, bus leaves at 9:30, returns by 1:30.
Talk of goofy wonders and things that go bump in the night, my sister sent me this clip of a meet up between a fox and an owl, in the dark of a winter night.
Mr. Leki
Last Friday, 7th grade, Room 301, went to Montrose Point.
Our theme was geology, and specifically the formation of the great lakes and our local topography, the glaciers, etc.
I love this trip, because often the weather is extreme,
and the landscape so altered and foriegn,
I love the students' response,
the wonder and awe.
This past Friday,
the temperature was a bit more balmy than what I hoped for.
But the week before had been frigid.
When we reached the dune and beach the scene was surreal.
There were swirls of snow and sand,
streaked like tiramisu (student description)
that formed an infinite number of platforms, or mounds,
on top of which sat a galaxy of .... crystal balls,
from baseball size to basketball size,
many almost perfectly clear,
but with fine stringers of gas bubbles suspended in them.
Some were like "cat's eyes" marbles.
It was like the birth of the orbs,
a discovered planet where the stars, or outer planets were birthed.
The students loved it. They lifted and cradled these globes,
and held them close and frozen until they realized that there was nowhere to go with this treasure,
so they were released,
gently or with great energy,
to their own fate.
We broke through these superbly fashion sculpture,
like the proverbial bulls in china shops,
crashing and breaking and so much perfectly created art,
I am reminded of the seemingly endless generosity and creativity of Mother Nature.
This Artist was preparing to erase this work anyway.
Ephemeral art.
New ideas in the works.
By the time we return to the lake next Friday,
there will be a whole new show up,
minimalist or Gaudy-crazy,
always thrilling.
This week begins with the regular Monday tree classes with 1st grade.
Wednesday, January 24, 5th Grade, Room 304 Mighty Acorns will lead us into Sauganash Prairie Grove to cut invasives and to identify trees in winter using clues that we discussed in class: bud arrangement, distinctive bark, persistent fruit or seeds that hang in through winter. Volunteers meet at 9:00 by the fish tank for a briefing, then, onto the bus at 9:30. Back to school by 1:00. Lunch will be in the classroom upon return.
On Friday, January 26, 7th Grade, Room 303, travels to Montrose Point for the same trip as described above. Meet at 9:00, bus leaves at 9:30, returns by 1:30.
Talk of goofy wonders and things that go bump in the night, my sister sent me this clip of a meet up between a fox and an owl, in the dark of a winter night.
Mr. Leki
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