New Kindergarten Unit: Properties of Matter

After wrapping up our unit about the 5 senses and how we observe our world, we started a new unit about properties of matter. Students will use their senses to observe different objects throughout this unit. The first lesson involved some math as we sorted objects into different groups. We also read The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale to learn about different materials that are used to build houses. Click here for more pictures from kindergarten science. 

 

2nd Graders Visit the Botanic Gardens

The second graders had a wonderful time visiting the Botanic Gardens this week. Students observed plants and insects working together in the Garden. We were very fortunate this year that the Chihuly exhibit was available for us to see as well. It was a wonderful opportunity for learning about science, art, mapping, and our community. Check out Chihuly Nights at the Gardens with your family until November 30. Click here to view more pictures from our trip to the garden and from second grade science.

Dissecting Pumpkins

Prekindergarten scientists observed pumpkins this week. They observed that it was orange, had seeds inside, was cold and gooey, and it smelled like dirt. It was a messy day in science as students used their senses to make observations.

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Meet Pac-Man!

Today preschool scientists met Pac-Man, Mrs. Benge's Leopard Gecko. They learned about his habitat and what he needs to survive. Students made observations about his body and his home.

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Light a Light Bulb!

Can you light a light bulb using a battery and two wires? Fourth graders successfully answered this question this week during science class. Students worked collaboratively at their tables to figure out how to light a lightbulb. They built simple circuits, series circuits, and parallel circuits. Students then discussed which circuit worked the best. 

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How do our senses help us explore the world?

Scientists use their five senses to make observations about the world around them. In the first unit, kindergartners will learn about their five senses and how each one helps them make observations. This week students learned how to use a magnifying glass to make observations.

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What is energy?

Fourth grade scientists are starting the year with a unit about energy. Students will understand what energy is, will know the difference between kinetic and potential energy, and will identify different types of energy. We started the unit by thinking about what we know about energy and writing ideas on a mind map. Students first wrote their ideas about energy in pencil. Next, after reading the book Energy Makes Things Happen, students added more ideas to their maps in green pen. These mind maps are an interesting way to see how a student thinks about a topic.  

 

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