Week of November 18 - 22

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

• Kindergarten: We looked at and sorted rocks.We are getting so good at writing like scientists!
• 1st grade: We investigated the effect of puffs of air on different objects.
• 2nd grade:We explored rocks by testing and sorting them.
• 3rd grade: We began our study over volcanoes by learning about its parts and each part's function.
• 4th grade: We made Cartesian Density Divers. Ask your 4th grader how it works!

Upcoming Events:

• 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. 

Have a great Thanksgiving Break!

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!

Week of October 1 - 5

Time for the weekly catch-up!

• Kindergarten used their sense of sight to observe properties of a liquid form of matter. This involved using a dropper to combine different colored drops of water. 
• 1st grade did a rockin' balance investigation: using 5 rocks, students used their hands to predict which was the heaviest and which was the lightest. Then we tested our predictions by placing the rocks on a balance and comparing their weight to mini teddy bears. 
• 2nd grade had a shortened Science Lab schedule due to testing, but we still had fun! We had a Tic Tac race to answer the experiment question: what is the fastest way to dissolve a Tic Tac in your mouth?
• 3rd graders entered into Part I of their first experiment: Milk in Motion. After a quick demonstration involving milk, soap, and food coloring, students came up with a question and planned the procedures for their experiment. Part II occurs next week when students will be given time to investigate. 
• 4th graders didn't get a chance to come to the Science Lab this week, due to Dragon Day. Don't worry, though -- I have something fun planned for next week! 

Don't forget to visit our class Instagram to view some Kodak moments. While you're at it, check out our tweets on Twitter!

The first meeting of the Green Thumb Club is next Tuesday, October 9. Students can stay after school and meet in the Science Lab at 3 pm. Pick-up is at 3:45 at the east doors by the Science Lab. Parents, please fill out this Participation Permission Form and return it to me ASAP. Also, here's a copy of the tentative GTC meeting schedule to hang on your 'fridge.

Have a great weekend!