Diorama Presentation

Hi Guys,

     I hope everyone had a nice weekend. I spent it moving houses. So as you can guess, my weekend was all work and no play!

    I usually don't write on the blog on Monday, but there seems to be a bit of confusion about the diorama project. I understand that a lot of students made an African Jungle diorama last year and that is the Big Reason why I decided to do a diorama about the Amazon Jungle.

     Remember, your child is in third grade and they are continuously building upon the knowledge they have already acquired. This project is not about building a diorama. The diorama is only a part of the project. The real goal of this project is teamwork.

The grade will be based upon the following:

1. How well each team works together.
2. How quickly the team's project is completed.
3. How well organized the diorama is to show important points
4. A few paragraphs explaining each key point
5. Finally, the team's presentation which will be videotaped.

     There are a few students in 303 who are excellent artists, but this is not art class. The team that builds an interesting, clever diorama that can illustrate some of the key points that we have talked about in class will receive high grades. Of course if you draw well, that is awesome. But once again, this is a team project to present important points about the importance and beauty of our Earth's amazing Amazon.

     The materials are quite simple: real rocks, real leaves to act as trees, real wooden twigs and grass. As the class has already learned how to make a diorama, we don't need to waste class time teaching that skill. The real test is can the groups quickly do it together as a team. If you already bought green/brown paper and paint and stuff...excellent. However the bulk of the diorama will be made of stuff you can get for free from the park. I hope this clears up any confusion!

Thanks for all your concerns and support,

Mr. Kuhel

Experience Class Project

Hi Guys,

     Starting next week, we will be building a 3-D diorama of the Amazon Jungle. Below you will find a list of things your child will need to purchase and bring to school by Wednesday, April 26th. The items aren't very expensive and the project will take place over the course of 3 or 4 weeks. I will also put notices in the communication book. Finally, for your convenience, here is the address of the website that provides the basic guidelines for the project. Here is the website so you can look at it at home: 

http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Animals/rainforestdiorama/rainforestdiorama.html

Materials

• Shoebox or similar-sized box
• a big box for a team of three or four students
• Brown, green, blue and white colored paper
• Green crepe paper
• Green paint
• Blue Tack clay
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Scissors
• White glue
• Paint brush
• Pencil
• Small rocks and twigs

     It’s fun to learn all about Brazilian rain forests and the amazing animals that live in this habitat by making this cool diorama. I think we'll see some amazing results!

Mr. K

Field Trip and Unit Test Results

Hi Guys,

     The field trip on Wednesday to the noodle factory was great fun. We all made our own package of instant rice noodles and turtle cakes. The museum showed the evolution of the instant noodle industry. It was all quite interesting.

     The Unit Test results for One Good Turn Deserves Another were quite excellent. The class average was over 90% with most of the class scoring in the high 90's. Good job every one.

     The second mid-term is around the corner. It is much easier and less stressful to review all the vocabulary for a few minutes before or after dinner 3 or 4 times a week. Then, when the big test rolls around, you will be ready!

Mr. Kuhel