Week of November 11 - 15

Here's what we did in the Science Lab this week:

• Kindergarten: We saw how heat and the absence of heat can change matter. 
• 1st grade: We made compared and contrasted 5 different types of soil.
• 2nd grade: We learned about the 3 main types of rocks and observed them.
• 3rd grade: We studied about and made our own fossils.
• 4th grade: We learned about density by making a density tower.

Upcoming Events:

• November 19th: 4th graders are doing an activity that requires the use of one clean 1-liter bottle for every student. Mrs. Mertens and Mrs. Arefi are offering 10 tickets for every 1-liter bottle that is brought in! 
•  December 2 - 6: All students will come to Old Union's 2nd annual Super Science Sale. Previews will be on Monday and Tuesday (similar to Book Fair), and purchases are welcome the rest of the week. Hours are 7:30 - 3:30 except on Thursday, when the hours are 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.
• December 12: 3rd graders are making and erupting volcanoes. This activity involves soil, baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring. If your student is allergic to any of these items, please contact me ASAP.

November 12 - 16

Here's what happened in the Science Lab this week:

• Kindergarten: We had a shortened class period on this day because of the Veteran's Day assembly (which was wonderful -- thank you to all that were involved, and thank you to our Veterans!). Kinder students explored rocks and used science words to write about them in our notebooks. Home extension: go on a "rock hunt" with your student, asking him/her to find a "cool" rock outside. Then use adjectives to describe the rock with your senses.
• 1st grade: We've been learning about soil and how it's useful for our world. This week, we made "soil in a cup." We constructed this with our table teams, using food to mimic the real-life layers of soil. Home extension: allow your student to make their own version of "Soil in a Cup." Ask your student what edible materials might best mimic the layers of the soil.
• 2nd grade: We learned about the 3 types of rocks and how they're made. We also learned how to make models of these types of rocks using crayon shavings! (We were going to do this activity in class, but due to the Thanksgiving luncheon shortened science lab schedule, we did not have time today.) Home extension: ask your student to describe the 3 types of rocks and how we mimicked them with crayons. Go on a "rock walk" at home or at the park, and try to find each of the types of rocks. Or, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, make your own crayon rocks by looking at the directions HERE.
• 3rd grade: We explored fossils by looking at pictures and models. Then we made our own fossils by pressing an item of our choice into special dough. Home extension: have a conversation with your student about how fossils are formed. You may even consider letting your student make his/her own fossils at home in playdough.
• 4th grade: I did not get to see 4th graders this week, due to Dragon Day. I look forward to seeing all my 4th grade friends next week, though!

The Super Science Sale will take place in the Science Lab during our next week of school (November 26 - 29). Read more about the sale by clicking HERE. Sign up to help in the store by clicking HERE.

Our next meeting of the Green Thumb Club is Tuesday, November 27. I look forward to seeing you all!

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving break!