It's Been a While...We've Been Busy!

Third grade scientists spent some time learning about "Out of this World" science.  They used their creativity, critical thinking skills, and team spirit to create some contraptions that mimicked the Mars Pathfinder.  They were given simple supplies (i.e. balloons, cardboard boxes, newspaper, string, tape, etc.) and they got busy!  Finally, they placed an egg in their vessel and dropped from the top of the playground. 

I think the best part of this exercise was that there was not one creation that looked the same as another.  Their creativity amazes me!

 

These first grade friends were busy learning about the solar system as well.  They focused on the moon, sun, and planetary distances.  We learned about propulsion, planetary size, and just how many squares of toilet paper each planet is away from the sun.  A great visual for them! 

As we welcomed spring, we also welcomed rainbows!  We mixed science experiments with art activities to surround ourselves with the bounty of colors that a rainbow displays for us.

 

During Quest this nine weeks, my second grade students have joined me on a journey about weather.  We've learned about the atmosphere, the water cycle, seasons, and clouds.  Students made these nifty cloud identifiers.  I had to take one home for my three year old scientist to try out too!

 

We have close to ten kindergartener CA students now, and they are an amazing group to work with!  We're celebrating spring by learning more about insects.  Whether it is the habitat of a praying mantis, the recycling job that a beetle completes, or the amazing tasks that a honey bee is able to accomplish, we are hooked on bugs!  Students simulated the job of a honey bee this week, and even had a honey taste test!

Thank goodness for one sunny day this week because we took advantage of it!  First grade students were hunting for symmetry in nature.  They gathered items, we took pictures, and then analyzed.  We used our computer to try and "slice" our photographed items in half.  All in all we learned that there is little symmetry in the world.  It's reassuring that you don't have to be perfect to be beautiful!