Code Breakers

Today our gumshoes were up to the task of deciphering coded messages.  They looked at several different types of ciphers and codes and picked out patterns to uncover the underlying message.  They also wrote their own codes for their friends to crack.  Use these websites at home to continue with your explorations!

Mirror Writing

Cryptology

Code Examples

More Code Examples

Cryptokids

Crack the Code

A light filter code.

Using a pigpen cipher.

We also practiced the Habit of Mind, Persisting as we looked at more DNA codes to match suspects to their crimes.  Students were also able to compete with their DNA challenge questions from last week.  We used a "stuck on the escalator" analogy to discuss perseverance and taking the next step in our learning to overcome challenges.

DNA Close Reading Face-off

Third graders sent their solo time reviewing median, mode, and range with some friendly penguin buddies.  They grouped the penguins to create data sets for their friends to calculate the averages.

Second graders spent their solo time practicing creativity and completing a NERDS activity to create their perfect imaginary friend based on the book Beekle by Dan Santat.

We also threw in some brain stretchers, Mastermind,  and conquered the daily Set puzzle!

Footprint Follow-up and DNA!

Third graders spent some time today reflecting and goal setting for the new year.  I am proud of all this class has accomplished.  I can already see a lot of growth and love watching them apply the language and skills of our Habits of Mind!  


Second graders played the role of eye witness and learned that their testimonies aren't always as reliable as they think.  They practiced their skills of observation as participated in several activities looking for details and differences.

As a whole class, we also did some field study follow up looking at a crime scene as a system and sharing about our highlights and takeaways of the trip.  We mixed in some math by looking at our footprints and using them to predict our height.  Students checked their measurements to see the correlation.

Finally we practiced our close reading skills to understand DNA and its use as evidence in court. Students summarized their findings and bean creating challenge questions to face off against each other in a comprehension battle next week.