November 5 - 9

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

• Kindergarten: We explored the change in matter when we apply heat or cool. Students played a fun simulation game on the Promethean board, and then we went "ice fishing!" Students learned how salt lowers the freezing temperature of water and why city officials might put ice on the roads after a snowstorm. Home extension: Allow your student to help you cook dinner; he/she can observe how ice cools a drink and the oven warms food.
• 1st grade: We observed 4 different types of soils and learned more about the role that soil plays in our environment. Home extension: Allow your student to explore the soil in your backyard or at the local park. Have a conversation about how soil is necessary.
• 2nd grade: We observed a change in matter when we added salt to ice and formed a mixture; we made homemade ice cream! Students were permitted to take one bite of the ice cream in class so that we could observe the matter with all 5 of our senses. Home extension: ask your student to bring home the ice cream recipe and make a batch for the whole family.
• 3rd grade: We learned about 8 different types of landforms. Afterwards, we created the landforms at our tables with special "moon dough." Home extension: ask your student how a picture of a dinosaur could help him/her remember the types of landforms.
• 4th grade: This was part 2 of our living adaptations project. Students were able to bring in their own craft supplies (and use mine, as well) to construct a unique living organism with at least 3 adaptations. Students could use construction paper, cotton balls, beans, beads, pipe cleaners, glitter, sequins, etc. The students did a great job; I was so impressed with their creativity and innovation! Below is a video slideshow with several students' final products:

The Super Science Sale is quickly approaching! Read more about our sale by clicking HERE. Parents, if you are available and willing to help, we could really use an extra hand! Click HERE to go to the volunteer sign-up form to pick a date and time that is convenient for you.  

Green Thumb Club will meet on Tuesday, November 13th, as it is the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Meet outside by the picnic tables (unless the weather doesn't cooperate -- then meet in the Science Lab). Pick-up is at 3:45. 

Also: Old Union now has a Facebook page! "Like" it by clicking HERE.

Have a restful weekend!

 

October 15 - 19

Here's a recap of our week in the Science Lab:

• Kindergarten: We learned more about our senses of smelling and hearing as a way of observing matter. We played a sound egg memory game and did 5 smell tests. Ask your student about their favorite things to hear and smell.
• 1st grade: We did an investigation to find out the effects of heat and cold on matter. Ask your student if food coloring moves faster in warm water or cool water.
• 2nd grade: We had a shortened period due to testing, but we still had fun weighing various objects on a primary balance. Students were able to use hexagram weights to find out the exact mass of objects on our list. Ask your student to explain how to operate the primary balance and how to use the hexagram weights. You could even ask your student to predict the mass of various objects around your house.
• 3rd grade: We conducted a brand-new experiment ("Lava in a Cup") to learn about mixtures. Ask your student to explain their group's experiment and results.
• 4th grade: I was unable to be in class on this day, but we had a fabulous substitute, so I know the students had a great time and learned a lot! 4th graders conducted an experiment about bird beak adaptations to figure out which beak type is most conducive to eating various types of food. Ask your student which bird beak they used in class, and which food was easiest to pick up.

 Reminders:

• Next week is Red Ribbon week. Please refer to the previous post to figure out how to show your support each day! You could even recite the Red Ribbon pledge each morning on the way to school. OUES is proud to be drug free!
• Tuesday, Oct. 23 is the tree planting ceremony. We would love to see you in the OUES garden around 3 pm!
• Wednesday, Oct. 24 is picture re-take day and group picture day. Green Thumb Club members are invited to be in the club yearbook picture! If your student did not get a chance to attend the meeting but is planning on joining the GTC, please feel free to be in the picture! We are wearing OUES t-shirts to support Red Ribbon week.

Have a great weekend!