Recycling and Composting
In honor of Earth Day, students in Bridges to Success have been learning about recylcing food waste through the process of composting. After researching, students created posters of compost bins and what they could add to them.
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Saltwater/Freshwater
This week students in Bridges to Success explored the rivers, watersheds, and estuaries of Virginia! Students reflected on how pollutants can impact important fresh and saltwater habitats. A colored topographical map and key demonstrated the students’ learning on this important topic. #ShowUpandEngage
Physical and Chemical Changes
Today in Bridges to Success, we got our hands messy with this science lesson on physical and chemical changes. Some students created oobleck, which can behave like both a solid and liquid depending on the amount of pressure applied to it. Grasp it firmly and it will feel hard like a ball. Relax your palm and it will flow through your fingers like slime! #ShowUpandEngage
Kitchen Chemistry-Part 2
Students continued hands-on experiments with kitchen chemistry by creating lava lamps using water, oil, Alka-Seltzer, & food coloring. Middle-schoolers experimented with chemical changes using baking soda and vinegar. Science is truly fascinating! #ShowUpandEngage
Kitchen Chemistry-Part 1
Today students began a 2-part lesson using household kitchen items to observe scientific processes. Elementary students discussed matter in the three forms of solid, liquid, and gas before conducting the “dancing raisin” experiment to see all three in action. Middle school students explored the topic of physical and chemical changes using Skittles and water. More kitchen chemistry to come next week! #ShowUpandEngage
Force/Motion
A weeklong study of force and motion touched on topics like inertia, friction, and potential/kinetic energy. Students enjoyed these hands-on experiments! Take a peek at what they accomplished this week in Bridges to Success. #ShowUpandEngage
Sound
Do you hear what I hear? Today students in Bridges to Success could be heard testing their windpipes throughout the building. After learning about sound, they varied the volume and pitch of their voices or speaker to see how the vibrations made salt move/jump. #ShowUpandEngage
Sun, Moon, and Stars
Today students in Bridges to Success finished a two-part science lesson that explored the relationship between the earth and sun. Students learned about the effects of the tilt/rotation/revolution of the sun, photosynthesis, and angle of the suns rays. #ShowUpandEngage
.png "Sun, Moon, and Stars Project")
Animal Survival
This week students spent their 45 minute daily Bridge sessions studying how animals survive. They explored topics such as the types of beaks birds have to animal adaptations that may be found in the Arctic. Students enjoyed the hands-on experiments of testing bird beaks as well as learning how blubber can provide insulation for warmth. #ShowUpandEngage
Snowflakes
We are dreaming of snow! Today in Bridges to Success, students continued to learn about snowflakes. They used watercolor paints and salt to create a chemical reaction that looks like ice. Hopefully we’ll see the beauty of some real snow soon! #ShowUpandEngage
Up on the Rooftop
Today students wrapped up a week long project called “Up on the Rooftop” during their Building Bridges to Success time. Students learned about different roof styles and how weather such as snow can impact those structures. Students tested different materials and eventually built their own roofs with a frame, roof style, and material of their choice. It “snowed” on their rooftops to see if any would collect precipitation or collapse from the weight. #ShowUpandEngage
Light/Dark-Part 2
On Friday, students completed part 2 of their Building Bridges to Success “Light and Dark” lesson. Students explored the concepts of light reflection, refraction, and absorption. They observed the “bent” straw, the flipping arrow, and the way white light disperses into the colors of the rainbow. Ask an ACPS student in pre-k through 8th grades what he/she has learned about light! 
#ShowUpandEngage #TeamAmherst
.jpeg "Light and Dark Part 2")
Light/Dark
Today students began day 1 of the “Light & Dark” science extend lesson. Students identified objects using the vocabulary words: translucent, transparent, and opaque. Students also explored how light travels through different objects by making predictions and recording observations. #ShowUpandEngage
Weatherproof Structures
What materials will create the strongest, most weatherproof structure? In this week’s Building Bridges to Success lesson, students constructed three different sand structures and tested them with weight and water (rain). Check out how they did! #ShowUpandEngage
Weatherproof Structures
Today we wrapped up week 2 of Building Bridges to Success! This week, students in grades 3-8 completed IXL diagnostic assessments in both math and reading. Today, all students in K-8 began part 1 of their “Weatherproof Structures” science lesson. Reflecting on the story of “The 3 Little Pigs”, students used the given materials (sand, glue, and water) to build structures that will be tested with erosion and weight. Which structures will withstand the forces of nature? Stay tuned to find out next week!
Bridges
We completed week 1 of our Building Bridges to Success Program! Students worked collaboratively to plan and create a bridge with the given materials that could withstand weight. Check out the highlight reel tool see all of the creativity!