We have had a great time these past two weeks with our artists in residence, Axé Capoiera. The students enjoyed learning the skills and history of this martial art form. Since capoeira originated in Brazil, we have been learning about animals from the Amazon in science.
The students each chose an animal to research, recording key words about their animal’s appearance, habitat, food, and interesting facts. Then they presented that information in lift-the-flap books. They are on display in the hallway, come check them out!
We also created art to show our learning. First, we painted a habitat for our animals, including their basic needs (food, shelter, and water). 
Then we had a lesson about how to sculpt plasticine. We learned how to make spheres and cylinders by rolling, how to pinch the plasticine to make shapes, and we explored ways of adding texture to the surface. After learning those skills, students applied them to making their animal.
Finally, we put the animals in their habitat. Check back next week, I will post photos of the animals once they are all finished!
