Community Helpers Bring Learning to Life for First and Second Graders
First- and second-grade students at Oasis Academy have been getting a closer look at the important roles community helpers play in keeping their community safe, healthy, and running smoothly. Through a series of classroom visits, local professionals have taken time to share their experiences, explain their careers, and teach students valuable lessons connected to their everyday work.
So far, students have welcomed Alex Haffner from the Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department, sheriff's deputy Noel Ugalde, Dr. Jeffrey Oyler from Lahontan Valley Veterinary Clinic, and Cassandra Fox, a paramedic and clinical EMS educator from Banner Churchill Community Hospital.
Each visitor has brought a unique perspective to the classroom, helping students learn about fire safety and prevention, the role of law enforcement in protecting the community, the importance of caring for animals, and how emergency medical professionals help people in times of need. These hands-on conversations give students an opportunity to ask questions, make real-world connections, and better understand the skills, responsibilities, and dedication that go into each profession.
By bringing community members into the classroom, students are discovering that learning extends beyond textbooks. They are also gaining an appreciation for the people who serve their community every day and the many ways they can make a difference themselves.
“Having community helpers visit our classrooms gives students the opportunity to see firsthand how the things they learn connect to the world around them,” said Jami Rowlett, K-4 vice principal. “These visits help build curiosity, teach important life skills, and show students the many ways people contribute to making our community a great place to live. We are extremely grateful to have local professionals who are willing to share their time and experiences with our students.”
Seventh Graders Mix Science and Halloween Fun with Lava Lamp Experiment
Seventh-grade science students brought a little Halloween spirit into the science classroom with a bubbling, colorful science experiment during Halloween week.
Students were tasked with creating their own lava lamps, observing how different substances interact and exploring the science behind the movement of liquids. Through the experiment, students learned about the differences in density between liquids, how oil and water do not mix, and how gas bubbles can carry colored water upward before it sinks back down.
The activity gave students a hands-on opportunity to observe chemical and physical properties, make predictions, and see scientific concepts in action. With its bubbling, swirling colors, the lava lamp experiment was a perfect fit for Halloween week, bringing a fun and festive twist to learning.
Favorite Book Characters Come to Life Through Pumpkin Creations
Third- and fourth-grade reading students at Oasis Academy brought their favorite book characters to life this fall by transforming ordinary pumpkins into imaginative works of art.
Students were challenged to choose a favorite character from a book and recreate that character using a pumpkin as their canvas. Creativity was key as students explored a variety of materials and techniques, including paint, paper, carving, and accessories to capture the unique details and personalities of their chosen characters.
Once completed, fourth-grade students' pumpkin creations were put on display during the Oasis Academy Book Fair earlier in the month, giving families and visitors an opportunity to admire their creativity. Third-grade students, meanwhile, had the opportunity to present their pumpkin characters and the books that inspired them to their parents in the cafeteria.
From recognizable storybook favorites to imaginative character designs, each pumpkin reflected the students' individual interpretations and love of reading. The activity provided a fun opportunity to connect reading with hands-on creativity and celebrate the stories and characters that make books memorable.
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