Week of November 4 - 8

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

• Kindergarten: We made predictions about measuring a pumpkin and then measured it with nonstandard units. We also got to weigh a mini pumpkin and test to see if pumpkins sink or float.
• 1st grade: We learned about the layers of soil and made a model of it with our table team.
• 2nd grade: We did an investigation with cornstarch packing peanuts and learned how biodegradable items are better for the Earth than non-biodegradable items. 
• 3rd grade: We learned about the different types of landforms this week.
• 4th grade: We got to share our unique Texas animal and its adaptations to our classmates this week.

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.

Week of October 21 - 25

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

• Kindergarten: We learned more about science tools and using them to collect information. We concentrated on our measuring skills this week.  
• 1st grade: We saw how matter can be changed by heat and graphed our results.
• 2nd grade: We saw how matter can be changed by heat, and what requirements an object has in order for it to be able to float.
• 3rd grade: We learned more about mixtures and solutions by making "lava" in a cup.
• 4th grade: We started our adaptations project. This week was our research, planning, and starting the very beginning of our project. Next week will involve finishing creating our animal model and finishing our lab write-up. If you have any extra craft supplies at home that you would like to get rid of, please send them to the lab!

Upcoming Events:

• The Super Science Sale will come to OUES for the second year in a row on December 2 - 6. It will be set up much like Book Fair -- where students have an opportunity to preview at the beginning of the week and shop the rest of the week. I'll post an updated list of shop hours when the date gets closer. 

Week of April 1 - 5

Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed the 3-day weekend; I sure did!

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

• Kindergarten: We learned about plant lifecycles before planting our own [green bean] seed. Most students took the planted seeds home, but I think that at least one classroom teacher had the seeds stay in the classroom so she could help her students watch the plants grow daily. Either way, when the planted seed comes to you, please remind your student to place it in a sunny spot (like a windowsill) and water it every day. When the plant gets bigger, you can transfer it to a bigger pot or to an outside space where it has more room to grow. Enjoy your green beans! Home extension: if you have a garden, allow your student to help plant, weed, and water. If you don't have a garden, letting your student plant 1 seed of his/her choice to keep and nurture in his/her room would be great!
• 1st grade and 2nd grade: I did not get to see my 1st grade friends this week, due to the STAAR writing exam that I helped monitor. I can't wait to see them next week, though!
• 3rd grade: We reviewed measurement methods today by participating in some measurement centers. We reviewed area, perimeter, length, and width. Home extension: There are lots of opportunities to practice measurement at home! Make up a problem that requires measurement, and allow your student to solve it for you. For instance, maybe you need a rug to fit the living room; your student could measure the length and width of the room to figure out how big of a rug to buy. They could also calculate how many square inches or feet of fabric you'd need to buy if you were going to make the rug yourself.
• 4th grade: We made electroscopes today, and each student got to take home their creation! Home extension: Ask your student to dig their homemade electroscope out of his/her backpack and show you how it works!

 Green Thumb Club members: our next meeting is Tuesday, April 9. Hope to see you there!