Around Here

 

My first grade scientists have spanned the globe learning about different habitats.  A couple of weeks ago our journey took us to the rainforest.  We talked about the different types of rainforests, and focused mainly on tropical rainforest.  We made cereal box dioramas to show our understanding of the different layers of the forest, and the native animals that you might find there.  We learned about the Poison Dart Frog and how it lays its eggs in the water pools of a Bromeliad.  Students took a closer look at these tropical plants in person, and also the water that collects between its leaves.

 

Next we were off to the Artic. Students teamed up with their science buddies for a little engineering project. They used sugar cubes to build igloos. These was no easy feat. Lots of team work was required. They also experienced what a layer of blubber will do for you! Using vegetable shortening, students experienced life as a polar bear in the cold Artic waters. They tested the ice water with their bare hand, and then again with a glove of blubber. "Much better," they said! We also tested our knowledge of friction with walrus and seal races. Students hypothesized what material would have the least amount of friction: wood, ice, or sandpaper.

We wrapped up the unit with centers focusing on the grasslands of the world.  Students researched the different names of grasslands around the globe, located them, and charted them.  They worked together to analyze the speeds of different grassland animals.  We learned that zebras have unique stripes from one another.  Using a marble and black paint they created VERY unique zebras!

 

 

In 3rd grade the students were snowed in and had a blast with snowy math and science.  They learned the science behind snow, played with Insta Snow, learned about Snowflake Bentley and his beautiful photographs, used their math skills to construct a snowman, designed a Borax snowflake, and a six sided Q-Tip snowflake.  Sounds like we were quite productive for a snow day wouldn't you say?!

 

We've finished up a great first semester and look forward to a wonderful second semester of creative and innovative learning in Creative Academics!