PUE5Quest

In Mrs. Moss's class this week, we started by learning how to take and analyze fingerprints. Everyone's fingerprints are unique, even identical twins! We practiced taking each other's prints using the same materials and documents that investigators use. Students were then challenged to identify patterns of loops, arches, and whorls. Next, we explored the concept of hidden evidence. Using a special chemical called luminol, we learned how it reacts with "blood" (a safe, simulated version using an iron supplement pill) to produce a glow, revealing its presence even when invisible to the naked eye. We had a blast using this technique to locate a hidden "crime scene" element! Later, we learned about the process of chromatography. Chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate a mixture into its individual components. For example, a black marker is not simply made up of just black dye. It is actually made up of many different colors. Our experiment ...

  Earlier this month, Mrs. Moss's 5th graders embarked on an artistic journey, exploring the captivating world of abstract art! Forget perfectly rendered landscapes and portraits – we delved into a realm where lines, shapes, and colors take center stage, becoming expressions of emotions and ideas rather than representations of reality. Our artistic adventure continued by focusing on the building blocks of abstract art: lines and shapes. We experimented with different types of lines – thick, thin, zig-zag, wavy – and how they could be combined to form various shapes, both geometric (like circles and squares) and organic (like blobs and squiggles). Next, we explored the world of color theory, specifically warm and cool colors. We learned that  warm colors  like red, yellow, and orange can make an artwork feel energetic and inviting, while  cool colors  like blue, green, and purple can create a sense of calmness and tranquility.  We also revisited the foundati...

  Last week, Mrs. Moss's 5 th graders began their study on forensics! Our journey began with shoe impressions – the silent witnesses left at a crime scene. We investigated how different shoes leave unique patterns and how these seemingly small details can be crucial clues. We even got our hands dirty creating casts of shoe prints, experiencing firsthand how investigators meticulously preserve this type of evidence. Just like footprints, tire impressions can tell a story. Next, we learned how tread patterns, wear, and even minor damage can help link a vehicle to a crime scene. To solidify our understanding, we made our own tire impressions and analyzed the patterns and characteristics left behind. Later in the week, we learned about forensic bite analysis. While this might sound serious, we discovered a fun way to explore it! We used candy to create bite mark impressions, allowing us to examine the unique features of teeth and how they can be used to identify a suspect. Our...