Frog Life Cycle

We have been observing the changes in tadpoles over the last several weeks in our science lab. Unfortunately they were not doing well in their environment so they had to be released into the neighboring pond before we got to see them develop into adult frogs. But, at least they did get to see the beginning stages. As a part of our lessons on life cycles, the students learned that frogs lay eggs, the eggs become tadpoles, the tadpoles become emergent frogs, and the emergent frogs become adult frogs. They created these life cycle models to demonstrate their understanding.

Terrariums

During our study of plants, we built a terrarium using a 2L Coke bottle. I cut the bottle in half and then the students added rocks and soil. The students then poked holes in the soil and added seeds. They then covered the seeds with soil and added water. I then added the top. As we built the terrarium, we discussed what plants need. We also discussed what would happen when the water heated up; it evaporates. We connected this back to our lesson on precipitation and how clouds hold water. We placed our terrarium in the science lab so it can get sunlight. After building the terrarium, the students created a foldable to write about and illustrate the steps that they took. We have been visiting to watch the changes in the plant and to see the water droplets forming at the top.

Magnetic or Non-Magnetic?

We went to the science lab so the students could explore with magnets. They were given various types of magnets to see what would happen when they put them together. They learned that magnets can push and pull. They were also given various objects to test to see if they were magnetic or non-magnetic. They recorded their findings on a t-chart.

Magnetic or Non-Magnetic?

We recently visited the Science Lab to experiment with magnets. The students had a variety of objects to test. They recorded their findings and discussed which objects were magnetic and non-magnetic. They then experimented with putting like ends of a magnet together to feel how the magnets push away from one another. They also experimented with putting opposite ends together to see how they attract.

Properties and Energy Science Lab

Several weeks ago we visited the science lab to explore physical properties and sources of energy. The students rotated between stations to sort objects by size, shape, color, and texture. They also rotated to stations to explore objects that produce light and sound energy.

Tadpoles to Frogs

In our science lab we have been watching tadpoles as they change into frogs. It has been nice for the students to be able to see first-hand how the tadpoles begin to develop front and back legs and lose their tails.

Oceans in a Bottle

As a part of our thematic unit on oceans, the students created their own ocean in a bottle during science lab. They first added sand to the bottom of the bottle. They then added water to the bottle followed by vegetable oil. Before adding the oil, they made predictions about if the two liquids would mix together or stay seperate. Once they added the oil and discovered that they did not mix, they added blue food coloring. They then shook the bottles up to disperse the food coloring. Once they settled again, we discussed how the darker part of the ocean is at the bottom (the water in our model) and the lighter part (the oil) is at the top. We then talked about how the oil is actually heavier than the water but because they do not mix, it stays on the top. They then turned the bottles to the side and made waves with them. Following the lab, they completed a lab report to take note of their findings.

Magnetic or Not Magnetic?

Last week the students went to the science lab to discover which items were magnetic and which were not. Thank you to my co-teacher, Mrs. Timms, for being so flexible and taking my class to the lab when I was out. The students then went back to class and illustrated objects that were magnetic and items that were not magnetic.

Sound Energy Lab

As a part of our study of energy, the students visited the science lab to experiment with different forms of sound. The students rotated through various stations to explore the sounds that can be made from tapping, rubbing, shaking, and vibrating.

Light Energy Lab

Last week we visited the science lab to learn about light energy. The students explored with various types of light including lamps, flashlights, and poplights. We also read about and looked at pictures of various uses of light such as fireworks.