What We Are Discovering In...
First Grade
Third Quarter
Current Labs: The first graders finished up the third quarter unit of phases of matter - solids, liquids, and gases. They conducted some fun experiments with beads and graduated cylinders , and they observed that aluminum foil can sink or float depending on whether or not it has a nice flat surface, a pocket of air, or has been smooshed into a little ball.
They also created a bubbly, blobby mess with oil, water, food dye, and a sugar cube. We discussed how food dye is made up of water and therefore will not mix with oil. We also learned that sugar cubes have pockets of air in them and we watched small bubbles rise to the surface of the oil from the cube. |
Previous Labs: A final earthy activity dealt with the earth's gravity. The students made balloon feet which had a low center of gravity, enabling them to usually land on their feet when tossed!
Lots of first graders participated in the school science fair and then presented their projects to their classmates. Rock collections, rockets, and volcanoes...oh, my! Continuing our discussion about the great big Earth, we had fun experimenting with tectonic plates made out of graham crackers and whipped cream. We made some yummy mountains and earthquakes! Then, we narrowed our focus a bit more locally. After discussing watersheds, the kids crumpled up a piece of paper and then drew buildings, trees, and a few volcanoes using wet-erase markers. Then came the rains (via a spray bottle), and puddles were formed. It was a good visual for understanding how everything in a geographical area sheds water into one basin or river. We discussed the importance of keeping our water as clean as we can! |
Second Grade
Third Quarter
Current Labs: After discussing heat, we moved on to light and sound. We made color wheels that turned white when we twirled them really fast. We also learned about objects that are translucent, transparent, and opaque.
As for sound, the students know that vibrations are the cause of sound, and there are high and low pitches. We wrapped up the unit on sound by making homemade harmonicas and playing the glass harp (otherwise know as water in the wine glass)! |
Previous Labs: I was excited about the number of second graders who participated in the school science fair. The young scientists really showed off their interests! Can't wait to see what they come up with next year!
In the lab, the students are continuing their study on Heat, Light, and Sound. We started out with spirals that twirl when heated - hot air rises! Then they created beautiful convection currents in their plates of warm milk! |