Hatching Chicks

Save the Wombat Update

Upon learning about the endangerment of the wombat, students Kayleigh and Caroline wanted to do something to help. We have been collecting change (and bills) for the last two weeks and have raised $47.46!!

This money will be donated to The Wombat Foundation on behalf of the class. 

Way to be community contributers! 

Six Word Memoirs

This week the students wrote six-word memoirs. The concept is based on a challenge issued to Earnest Hemingway. Basically, a person attempts to sum up their life story in six words. They are very fun to write (and read). Click here to learn more about six-word memoirs.

Each student brainstormed words about their fourth grade experience and then attempted to write a six-word phrase that says something about them and their year. Then we wrote them outside in chalk. The results surpassed my expectations. No one can ever say that nine and ten year-olds are not capable of critical thinking and insight. Here are their memoirs.

Representative Andrew McLean Visits the 4th Grade

On Friday, May 16 Gorham's State Representative, Andrew McLean came to school to visit the fourth graders. He discussed Maine government and the role of a legislator. 

The students learned more about the three branches of government and what they look like in Augusta. He discussed how a bill becomes a law and how the House, Senate and Governor are all part of the process. He said his favorite part of his job is helping people. The students asked lots of great questions. 

Thank you Representative McLean for coming to visit us!

Blueberry Day

On May 9 David Yarborough from The University of Maine visited the fourth grades at Great Falls.  
He taught us all about wild blueberries. 

Here are some things we learned...

*Blueberry plants and certain fungi have a symbiotic relationship.

*Maine produces the most wild blueberries in the world!

*Wild blueberries are only found in Maine and Canada.

*Blueberry bushes turn red in the fall.

*There are many diseases that can harm wild blueberries.

*Blueberry plants need about an inch of rainfall each week during the growing season. 

*Bees are very important to the growth of blueberries. 

*Frozen wild blueberries are actually fresher than many fresh berries found in the store as they are frozen very quickly.

Cool huh?

Then we had a blueberry snack with blueberry muffins and blueberries with whipped cream!

We would like to thank Mr. Yarborough for coming all the way down to Gorham to talk with us!