On this blog you will find information about all of the fun and wonderful things that happen in the lower school science program. Scroll down below to see what is going on in the classroom or click through the pages on the orange bar to find out specifics of the program by grade.
Each of you has been assigned a chapter to create a review sheet for. You can make a crossword puzzle, word search, fill in the blank or any other activity that uses the vocabulary and key concepts. Be sure to hand in a usable copy and an answer key. I will be making the class copies. Also, create a essay question for the test that goes along with your chapter. You can use ideas or concepts from the labs to assist you. You do not need an answer key for this. Study Guides are due on Thursday, February 25th. You will receive the packets on Friday in class.
The first grade made flubber in class today! If you want to make some at home, do it in a place that might get sticky.
2 bowls
3/4 cup warm water
1 cup Elmer’s school glue
food coloring (optional)
2 tsp borax (in the laundry aisle)
1/2 cup warm water
Mix the 3/4 c of water with the glue and 3 drops of food coloring in the large bowl.
Mix the borax and 1/2 c of water in a separate bowl.
add the borax mixture to to glue mixture.
Stir (this is the sticky part!)
Stir and knead the mixture until it isn’t sticky.
Enjoy!
**If you want to keep your flubber, store it in an air-tight container. The cleaner your hands are when you play with it, the longer it will last. Throw the mixture away when it is dirty or dried out.
The first graders just finished their experiment using oobleck. It was a messy and exciting lab! Ask your student whether they thought that oobleck was a solid or a liquid. In truth it is a non-newtonian fluid. If you are interested in understanding it on an adult level see the wikipedia article.
Want to make oobleck at home? Be ready to be messy………
1 box (16oz) of cornstarch
1 cup of water
Pour the cornstarch into a large bowl. add the water ans slowly stir. The mixture will be hard. Add additional water tablespoon by tablespoon. Stop adding water when the water sits on top. It should seem a little dry. Have fun!
I hope that everyone had a wonderful time over winter recess!
Now it’s time to get back to science.
1st grade just completed a unit on sound. They all learned the ASL alphabet and some fun animal and family signs, ask your child to show you some words. Here is a link to use at home http://library.thinkquest.org/5875/index.htm
2nd grade has finished a unit on light, and will be studying the moon for 2 weeks. We hope the clouds clear for our observations!
Kindergarten has completed so many construction projects in the last few weeks! The next material to be explored is water. With all of this snow there should be plenty to discover!
4th grade has been busy using the metric system. They have learned to use a triple beam balance and will soon work on some explorations in mass and volume.
Keep checking up on everyone’s progress, new photos will be posted soon!
The fourth graders have been learning about the pollination of flowers. Here are some illustrations to explain the process of pollination.
The kindergartners began their unit on engineering today. They discussed what engineers do and decided that they are people who solve problems by making things to help the world be better. They talked about the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, where Goldilocks had a problem finding things that were just right. Each student pair was then given an animal and the task of building a chair that was “just right.” Take a look at the creations!
The kindergarten has been learning about nutrition and healthy bodies. They have been looking at all of the food groups and have been trying to eat a new food every week. Check out some photos of the class putting their vegetables to work by making “vegetable houses” instead of sugary gingerbread ones!
It is that time of year in second grade………..EYE DISSECTION DAY!
The second graders will be dissecting cow eyes in science lab on Monday. If you are interested in knowing the parts of the eye, or you would like a preview , click on the links below.
Last Thursday, the second graders concluded their Weather Unit by celebrating the Autumn harvest like a Native American. They at spaghetti squash, looked at native corn and discovered how difficult it is to make cornmeal. Luckily, there was some store bought cornmeal available. Here is the recipe for the Journey cakes that were enjoyed in class.
cornmeal
boiling water
honey
salt
cooking oil
maple syrup (optional)
Put cornmeal in a large bowl and mix in hot water until batter-like consistency.
Add ~Tbsp of honey
Add a pinch of salt
stir
In a large frying pan, heat cooking oil.
Drop Tablespoons of the batter into the oil and fry, turn once and cook until golden brown.
Add maple syrup to taste.
Enjoy!