What We Are Discovering In...
Third Grade
Third Quarter
Current Labs: As promised, the third graders looked at the digestive system, from the beginning to the end. We conducted a handful of experiments to demonstrate the different functions of body parts involved in digesting food.
We also did an experiment that clearly showed the fattiness of some foods over others. And we learned that it's OK to eat some fats, but a diet needs to be well balanced. Finally, the students found DNA in some strawberries. Did you know that if we were able to line up all the DNA in our bodies (2 meters per cell), it would stretch from here to the sun and back 600 times!! Wow! |
Previous Labs: The next body system that the third graders studied was the skeletal system. We focused on the backbone, which is made up of 24 vertebrae - 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumber. Using pasta shells, the students distinguished the three types of vertebrae with different colors. Then they attached the "backbones" to a paper plate face and added some pipe cleaner arms and legs.
To understand the circulatory system, they learned about the make-up of our blood, the names of the different vessels that blood travels through, and increased their heart rate by running in place! One more body system to go - the digestive system! |
Fourth Grade
Third Quarter
Current Labs: After measuring Mass and volume, the students learned about density, creating a very colorful test tube full of liquids of different densities. Then, they discussed properties of different matter. After mixing together different types of matter, I asked the students to figure out a way to separate the mixture back into the original 5 separate parts. It was fun watching them brainstorm!
Next...mystery powders! |
Previous Labs: The 4th graders wrapped up their balloon cars , and then they began their study on mass and volume. They are learning that mass stays the same even if the matter changes from one phase to another. They are also conducting labs that demonstrate the three ways to measure volume.
|