Science: Solids

Yesterday we explored properties of objects even more. We learned that solids are things that don't change shape when picked up or moved. We also discussed that scientists can compare solids by hardness. So we got our tray of objects and compared them by performing a scratch test.

Science with Ms. Massengale

Our Science unit this quarter is about properties. The students learn to sort items in different ways and also explore how solids and liquids change properties. Ms. Massengale came today to teach us about birds and their properties. We learned some different types and features of birds we can see in our backyard. We listened to their calls and even colored some pictures. You can find all the fun facts at this website. 

After all that we went outside to see if we could spot any birds. It was a great lesson and a lot of fun! 

Balance Experts

We have become balance experts. This week we have learned the vocabulary words: counter weight and balance point. 

Students have practiced balancing different shapes on popsicle sticks and our fingers. Today we had an extra hard experiment, when we had to find a way to balance a pencil (sharp side down) on a popsicle stick!

Topple Tree

We are continuing to explore balance and motion in science. On Monday we did a few experiments with our newest classroom game.


Introducing:

Topple Tree! 

In this game players can use two different types of pieces. A straight piece or a V-shaped piece. After predicting which piece would make a more balanced tree, it was time to experiment. We recorded our observations in our science journals. 

Our tree built with straight pieces fell over on the 11th piece, while our tree built with the V-shaped pieces was still standing after all 25 were put together! 

We were even able to extend our thinking to real trees. Students noticed that many trees that fall over are the tall skinny trees, while the more balanced trees that stand through winds have lots of branches. This game will be added to our collection for students to play on Fantastic Fridays! 

Balance and Motion!

Today we began our second unit in science. We will be learning all about balance and motion.  To begin our unit today we brainstormed what we already thought we be knew about balance and motion. We recorded our ideas here:

"holds things up, makes toys, have to practice, makes things move, us your body, it's sort of like weighing it, things can be both balance and motion"

Check back for updates to "Our learning" side of the chart to see everything we discover about balance and motion. 

Being Scientific Observers

We practiced our observation skills today with a REAL pumpkin! We drew pictures of our pumpkin, made predictions on what the inside would look like and even guessed how many seeds would be inside. Many of the children guessed between 10 and 40 seeds and were very surprised to find out 280 seeds were in the pumpkin!

Some Science and Vowel Bats!

Our plants have started to sprout. There has been great excitement in tracking the growth of these plants! We are hoping the seeds that have not popped out of the soil yet will soon.

We are working on the short A sound this week. In the weeks to come we will focusing on other vowel sounds. Since all great lessons come with songs, we have been singing the song Vowel Bat all week. Beware it is catchy and WILL get stuck in your head. 

During reading centers, the students are making origami bats with the vowel letters on them. 

Tingalayo and some brand new plants!

You may have heard the song Tingalayo being sung around the house the past two weeks. If you would like the hear it, click here! This week we have taken the song to a whole new level by writing our own verses. First, we had to figure out the rhyming pattern of the song. Then, we were able use that pattern to make up our own verses! We have had some pretty creative songs with donkey's doing all kinds of silly things! We are hanging them up in the classroom so everyone can read them!

We also planted some seeds today! The girls planted pinto beans, while the boys planted garden peas.

 We watched this time lapse video to see how seeds grew into plants. We used our prediction skills to guess how long it would take for these plants to really grow! Did you know it was only 9 days?

Here is a before picture of our plants. Check back for updates on how our peas and beans are growing! 

The Needs of a Plant

We have been discussing needs of plants and animals. This week's focus is on plants. Today we drew a bubble map for the needs of a tree and then headed outside to do some scientific observations. The students took their science journals and pencils and made some great observations! Our next step is to plant our own plants and watch them grow!

New Additions!

We are welcoming some new additions to our classroom... FISH! As a part of our 1st science unit, we will learn about the needs of living organisms. Today in science we discussed the 4 needs of animals in an effort to ensure we could properly care for our fish. We learned they need food, water, air, and shelter.

For the next few weeks, we will observe, predict, analyze and capture data from our aquariums. In the aquariums we have platy fish, duckweed, algae, snails, and anacharis. We will try very hard to keep these fish thriving in our classroom. Ask your child to tell you all about the needs of plants and animals.