It's been a busy and exciting fall in the science lab. Here's what we've been working on....
Kindergarten- We have been studying different types of motions. We made a sidewalk chalk obstacle course, used toy cars and blocks to show different movements, tested the way different shapes move, and talked about the motions we see in the world around us. We will be learning about gravity next and how the sky looks different in the day vs. the night.
1st Grade- We have been learning about magnets. We learned about magnetic forces, how magnets attract and repel. We predicted which materials would be attracted to magnets and then tested to see if we were correct. We also tested to see which materials allow a magnetic force to pass through.
2nd Grade- We studied fall trees and started our unit on energy. We learned about the different types of energy (solar, wind, battery, electricity, gas) and why it will be important for our students' generation to find clean sustainable energy. We watched a video on how solar energy is being used in our world, and studied how the sun's energy gives us heat. We also did an experiment on which type of sunscreen is best at blocking the sun's energy.
3rd Grade- We have been learning about rocks and minerals. Students examined some beautiful mineral and rock samples from the Tellus Musuem. They described and tested different types of minerals and we learned how metamorphic rocks and pancakes are similiar. We will be continuing on by learning about sedimentary and igneous rocks, as well as different types of soil.
4th Grade- We finished up our unit on weather and have moved on to simple machines. Students are working in groups to create Rube Gold berg machines that are mouse traps. Their machines will have 5 steps and use at least 3 simple machines.
5th Grade- We finished up our unit on constructive and destructive forces by using stream tables to see how elevation effects stream erosion. We kicked off our unit on physical properties by using popcorn to learn about volume, density, mass and physical changes.
Stay tuned for pictures!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Blasting off for Science!
The Boosterthon Fun Run is interactive, community-based and promotes three specific values: FITNESS, EDUCATION & CHARACTER. Students will be challenged to secure 10 pledges for the laps they will be running on November 4th. Students will “run” for 30 minutes and average 25-35 laps with a “lap cap” of 35 laps. All proceeds help Ford Elementary sustain the Science Lab and enhance classroom education. Thank you for your participation!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Kindergarten and 1st Grade are making scarecrows to be put out in the children’s gardens. Thank you to our Earth Parent volunteers for helping make this happen! Check them out!!
2nd and 4th grade planted vegetable gardens and these will be ready for harvest late this fall…This supports Farm to School Education!
3rd Grade has started CATO visits as of Sept. 27th.
5th and 2nd get to enjoy their lessons this week on the Nature Trail!
Outdoor garden labs had a facelift on Saturday, Oct. 2nd . Thank you to all the volunteers who came to help in this seasonal clean-up. Please enjoy the beautiful scenery and nice weather with your classes reading, writing, etc. in the outdoor classrooms!!
Pinestraw orders are being taken this week only: Due Oct. 8th. All proceeds support our outdoor classrooms. Please consider donating a bale to the Seeds of Hope Garden. The Seeds of Hope Garden is in need of maintenance and funding will not be available until next spring when the beds are turned over. Extra order forms are available in the front office. Thank you!
Seeds of Hope Scarecrow Contest and Potluck Dinner is coming October 24th at 4:00 pm! A cash prize will be awarded to the class teacher/leader with winning entry! Look for the flyer in your mailbox. Register by emailing ColleenCauffiel@gmail.com by Oct. 18th.
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