All schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 through Friday, November 24, 2023 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
We hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Sinai Scientists in 5th explored static electricity using different materials. They created static electricity by rubbing wool on balloons. Then they saw how the balloon attracted packing peanuts, rice cereal, and paper scraps. The material they picked up the most was the rice cereal.
How to make Popcorn Dance? Sinai Scientists in Mrs. Rutherford's class learned how to make popcorn dance. First they got all the ingredients needed: clear jars, vinegar, vegetable oil, water, popcorn kernels, alka-seltzer, baking soda, lemon juice and lime juice. Each child had a clear jar filled halfway with water, vinegar or vegetable oil. The students then added popcorn kernels to cover the bottom of the jar. Next they added Alka-seltzer tablets. The water and alka-seltzer danced. Then they added baking soda to the popcorn mixture. The vinegar and baking soda danced the quickest and longest. Lastly lime juice and lemon juice was added to the popcorn mixture. The water mixture danced the quickest. The group concluded that the vegetable oil did not dance because the oil was too thick and nothing reacted with the vegetable oil.
Finally all students were given jars filled halfway with vinegar and allowed to add baking soda so that each student could see their popcorn dance. They learned quickly to only add a little of baking soda or the mixture would bubble over. Everyone enjoyed the experiment.
Sinai Scientists in Mrs. Ragland, Mrs. Lanham, and Mrs. Cole's fourth grade classes conducted an investigation on shrinking balloons to determine the Qualitative and Quantitative data of each balloon. Students were put into four groups. Each group were given 1 balloon, a centimeter ruler, goggles, safety pin and a piece of tape. Tape was placed on the untied end of the balloon. One student pricked the balloon with the pin through the tape. The other students measured the balloon and recorded data. Students used the ruler to measure the balloon every 10 seconds until they got to 70 seconds or until all the air was out of the balloon. The students used the data to make a line graph. Students discussed what they saw in each group.
Students in Ms. Terry's PK-3 class learned about the letter P this week. Students practiced writing the letter P using shaving cream.
Let's Talk Turkey! Students in Mrs. Dailey's class at Sinai Elementary visited Tingy's STEM lab to make some terrific turkeys! Students recycled toilet paper tubes and glued on eyes, a nose and added very colorful feathers to make their terrific turkeys!
PreK students in Mrs. Reagan's class at Sinai Elementary School enjoyed time playing in center time. Students are allowed to visit different centers as part of their activities.
In recognition of National Diabetes Month, students and faculty at Sinai Elementary School wore blue to help bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems.
Students at Sinai Elementary who made their first nine week Accelerated Reader goal were recently treated to a pumpkin painting party. Students were supplied with pumpkins, marker, stickers and creativity! Students later were given the opportunity to go outside for some free play!
Sinai Scientists in Ms. Snead and Mrs. Bowe's second grade began measuring the height of 4 different gummy bears. They placed the gummy bears in different solutions (water, salt, sugar and vinegar). After 24 hours students observed the results of their gummy bears soaking in different solutions. Students drew a picture and recorded the results of their experiment.
Sinai Elementary recognizes students in each grade level for their progress in reading and using good reading strategies and habits in the classroom in the Soaring Eagles Reader of the Month Program. Community sponsors make this program possible. Special thanks to this month’s sponsor, Dollar General Corporation.
Mrs. Lanham and Mrs. Cole's fourth grade students at Sinai Elementary attended the Halifax County Little Theater's production of the Wizard of Oz. They were fortunate enough to receive a wonderful grant from the Halifax County Public Schools Foundation to have this fun and exciting opportunity. After returning, students engaged in conversation to discuss characters, setting, conflict, plot, and the resolution. A great time was had by all.
First grade students at Sinai Elementary enjoyed an Attendance Pizza Party. First graders had the highest monthly attendance during the month of September.
Sinai fourth-grade students participate in a hands-on science lesson, dissecting lima
beans to explore the inner workings of seeds and learning about the process of
pollination. They carefully open the soaked beans to identify and learn about the
different parts, such as the embryo while also engaging with models and diagrams
that illustrate how pollination occurs in nature. Through this activity, students gain a
practical understanding of plant parts and the life cycle of plants.
5th graders at Sinai explored electricity more this week. They created electromagnets using batteries, wire, and iron nails. They tested to see how coiling the wire more around the nail made the magnet stronger. Also, they investigated different materials to see if they were insulators or conductors.
Sinai third graders in Ms. Emerson's class along with Mrs. Davis visited Miss Tingy's STEM lab to complete an Index Card Tower. This challenge gave students the opportunity to plan and implement their tower structure. Students worked together in groups using only index cards, and masking tape to complete the tallest free standing structure. Once completed, measurements were taken, and bar graphs were completed. The students enjoyed competing against one another in the timed competition.
Students in Mrs. Baynes and Ms. Emerson's third grade Social Studies classes at Sinai have been studying Ancient China. Recently, students worked in groups of two and three to complete a Great Wall of Facts. The activity gave a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the Great Wall of China. Some of the facts the students included on the wall include it was originally built to keep out invaders, the wall varies in height and width but averages approximately 33 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and it is considered to be one Seven Wonders of the World.
World Kindness Day is a day to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness for good which binds us. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender, and location.
All schools and offices will be closed Friday, November 10, 2023 in observance of Veterans Day.
Sinai's 5th graders visited the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center to experience a hands-on tour. Students learned about various courses offered at SVHEC including welding, IT, energy, automation and robotics, and HVAC. They enjoyed the hands-on activities and are excited to take these courses in the future.
