We started out the year learning about Surface Tension. I always like to have some kind of "hook" to get them interested in the class and I think this did it. Many of the students thought I was a magician! I should have been recording the squeals of delight as the paper clip floated and then I made it sink simply by putting a drop of dish detergent in the water. Of course, the Kindergartners were able to experience Elephant Toothpaste!
In Kindergarten, we have been learning about germs. Students saw first hand how germs spread with two students having glitter "germs" on their hands and then shaking the other student's hands. We then learned the best way to get rid of germs was soap and water. We also went on a germ hunt by rubbing potatoes to surfaces we thought might have germs. We then looked at the potatoes after a week using magnifying glasses to see the germs that had grown.
In 1st grade, we are learning about our skeletal system. We have been learning the names of some of the major bones of the body. We did an experiment by putting chicken bones in coca cola, vinegar and milk. Ask you child what happened to those bones. We discussed why it is so important to drink our milk. They are going to be challenged to make a skeleton using paper towel and toilet paper tubes or to make working phalanges using string and straws.
2nd graders are learning about their hearts and how important it is to exercise. Students are learning how to take their pulse in their neck and wrist and are also using pulse monitors to see if they can raise their heart rate during exercise. They are now designing exercise plans for another student in the class to see if they can raise their heart rate.
Nutrition is what the students in 3rd grade are learning all about. We have been studying food labels to understand what they mean. We have been comparing sugar amounts in different foods, testing for sugar in foods using Benedicts Solution and understanding ingredient amounts. Students will now be designing a food plan for a day keeping within the My Plate nutritional guidelines. They really enjoyed seeing the Benedicts Solution react with the different juices we tested.
4th graders are learning about what it means to be an Inventor and an Engineer. We talked about Ben Franklin and why he is considered an American Icon. We then learned about the many inventions women have been responsible for. We have learned that many inventions were because of a mistake that was made...which is important for them to understand. Currently, they are working on advertisements for an invention they would make if they could. Next up, they will be using the scientific process to test Scotch Guard and then they will use the engineering design process to construct a new tray table for an airline.
As you can see, we are really busy and the time flies when we are in STEM!
In Kindergarten, we have been learning about germs. Students saw first hand how germs spread with two students having glitter "germs" on their hands and then shaking the other student's hands. We then learned the best way to get rid of germs was soap and water. We also went on a germ hunt by rubbing potatoes to surfaces we thought might have germs. We then looked at the potatoes after a week using magnifying glasses to see the germs that had grown.
In 1st grade, we are learning about our skeletal system. We have been learning the names of some of the major bones of the body. We did an experiment by putting chicken bones in coca cola, vinegar and milk. Ask you child what happened to those bones. We discussed why it is so important to drink our milk. They are going to be challenged to make a skeleton using paper towel and toilet paper tubes or to make working phalanges using string and straws.
2nd graders are learning about their hearts and how important it is to exercise. Students are learning how to take their pulse in their neck and wrist and are also using pulse monitors to see if they can raise their heart rate during exercise. They are now designing exercise plans for another student in the class to see if they can raise their heart rate.
Nutrition is what the students in 3rd grade are learning all about. We have been studying food labels to understand what they mean. We have been comparing sugar amounts in different foods, testing for sugar in foods using Benedicts Solution and understanding ingredient amounts. Students will now be designing a food plan for a day keeping within the My Plate nutritional guidelines. They really enjoyed seeing the Benedicts Solution react with the different juices we tested.
4th graders are learning about what it means to be an Inventor and an Engineer. We talked about Ben Franklin and why he is considered an American Icon. We then learned about the many inventions women have been responsible for. We have learned that many inventions were because of a mistake that was made...which is important for them to understand. Currently, they are working on advertisements for an invention they would make if they could. Next up, they will be using the scientific process to test Scotch Guard and then they will use the engineering design process to construct a new tray table for an airline.
As you can see, we are really busy and the time flies when we are in STEM!