Echo took pictures too and she will post them soon.

Do you know what a mole is?  Yes, it is a little animal that crawls under the ground.  But it is something else too!

A mole is a basic unit of measurement for chemistry. It is the mass in grams equal to the molar mass of a molecule. Because molecules are microscopic, it is a HUGE number!

It is 6.02 times 10 to the power of 23. That is why the 8th grade classes are having “Mole Day” on 10/23 from 6:02 AM to 6:02 PM!!

All morning, Madame Denis and Mrs. Jacoway will be doing different fun activities with the 8th graders that incorporate the mole!  The activities will be both Science and Language Arts based designed to help the students remember the quantity to which a mole is equivalent. The 8th graders will work on measuring different molecules of chemicals to create reactions.

Wednesday, October 15 in Joshua Tree National Park: rock climbing and belay

Since the beginning of the trip, students have been organized in two groups corresponding to their class A and B. As instructors, we’ve had two men, Kyle and Avi, and a lady, Whitney. Kyle and Avi spend the day with one group and are extremely knowledgeable about the environment and the geological history of the park, while Whitney deals with the logistics, teaches students how to prepare the meals, and brings the team spirit ethics and philosophy of Boojum institute.Tuesday evening Kelsey joined the group. She is the climbing specialist and early morning Wednesday she went on the climbing location to install the equipment.

The students spent most of the day Wednesday taking turn in trying three different routes to climb a very steep granite slope on the mountain. I enclose a few pictures, but more will come soon.

Everyone enjoyed the experience as, even though if was challenging, there was different levels of difficulty and climbing on a real mountain is very different from the indoor climbing experience some of them had before.

Every day instructors offer a variety of team building games, lessons about the environment or stories told in a circle at night.

Thursday has the same program as Tuesday with different groups, one will explore the SEA (Subterranean Exploration Area) in Johnson Springs Canyon and will hike all day, while the other group will do the Gunsight canyon exploration, climb and have lessons on the environment and the geology of the area.

Yesterday evening we celebrated Alienor birthday with cupcakes Mrs Wallen had brought from San Diego, and tonight, it’s the last evening on the camp with wood fire and the traditional marshmallow treat.

I wish to add that I really enjoyed the three days with the 6th graders. It was a great opportunity for me to know them better, share their discoveries and moments of friendship. I wish I could have stayed until the end of the trip!

CJ

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Dear 6th and 7th grade Parents,

Pick up for both trips will be at approximately 1:30 on Friday. We are planning to use the dirt lot again to allow plenty of space for cars and busses. Our chaperones will contact the school if the timing is different because of traffic, so that an update can be posted.

I’m off to join the group in Joshua Tree this morning.

Regards,

Erin

One group was with Mr. Jarlov and the other with Anne Laure on a day-long excursion.
Mr. Jarlov’s group went on a canyon hike, discovered rock formations and geological history of the park, discussed granite, other type of rocks, and also learned about carbon footprint, land how to identify different plants and cacti. In the afternoon: team building games and class in a nice shady area and a lesson about desert animals such as the desert tortoise. The weather is fine and students are well and happy.

Ms. Denis’ group enjoyed a hike and exploration of subterranean rock formations with caves with narrow passages. Next, they learned about geology and plants.

Tonight, one group will help prepare dinner. Everyone is tired but happy about the day. No injuries except a few scratches from climbing. We have a great team!

Tomorrow: belay instructors will lead the group for rock climbing near our camp.

Flying chickens … Team building for the second group, let’s cross the Nitron river !!!

Weather forecast from Barbara

Wonderful weather today, perfect for outdoor activities!

Sunny and breezy…