The Arctic Fox!

As we shiver in these freezing temperatures, it makes me think of the amazing adaptations that animals have in order to survive in such harsh conditions.  Check out the following link to see how Arctic Foxes survive in extremely cold climates!http://www.arkive.org/arctic-fox/alopex-lagopus/

Kindergarten- Float or Sink?

Kindergarten scientists have been exploring the properties of different kinds of wood.  Last week the children found that all the different wood samples float when placed in water.  This week, the children added paperclips to the wood in order to find out how many clips it would take to sink them.  They found that pine takes more weight to sink than plywood!

Second Grade Spinners

Second Grade Scientists are studying force and motion.  Last week the students used straws and different size discs to build spinning toys.  The children experimented with different combinations in order to build fast spinners, wobbly spinners and long lasting spinners.

Silkworm Cocoons

Our silkworms have started building cocoons!  They are wildly spinning silk in preparation.  Last week after school I was able to watch one of the worms carefully build the cocoon around its body.  Enjoy the photos!

Welcome Silkworms!

Before the winter break I received 100 tiny silkworm eggs.  They were even smaller than a pinhead!  With love and care from Lindsay and her family, they hatched and thrived during the vacation.  They are growing at a rapid speed, spending the entire day eating a delicious mulberry leaf concoction!  I will keep you posted with their growth and progress!

January Newsletter

Happy New Year!  I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing winter vacation.  Below is a short description of what the students will be up to during the month of January.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten scientists are starting a new unit called “Exploring Properties.”  In this unit, the students will observe and describe different kinds of wood, looking at size, shape, texture, weight, color and where the wood came from.  After comparing and contrasting the wood, the students will then do different experiments with the samples, including placing them in water to see if they sink or float.

First Grade

First Grade scientists are beginning a new unit on the three states of matter: liquids, solids and gases.  The students will do different experiments in order to observe and describe the properties of the three states of matter.  During the month of January the students will be examining solids.  They will observe, describe and sort solids by their physical properties.  The students will also explore how solid materials are used in the construction of different buildings and structures.  Are some solids better for construction than others?

Second Grade

Second Grade scientists are beginning a new unit about forces and motion.  In this unit, the students will examine different forces that affect the balance and motion of objects, such as gravity, air resistance and friction.  They will begin the unit by exploring the concept of balance.  The children will use different shapes and weights to examine counterbalance, counterweight and stability.  The students will then use what they have learned in order to find way to balance a pencil on its point!