This week in the lab...

kindergarters continued learning about the three states of matter. Students experimented with soda and ice, and found that the carbination in soda creates a gas! Then, students learned that some things can change from one state of matter to the next. Students competed to see who could melt their ice cube the fastest!

First graders continued learning about temperature. This week, we used digital thermometers to take the temperature of 4 spots around campus. Then, we discussed the differences in temperature and why some spots on campus are hotter than others. Next, we discussed how we can use natural things, like trees, to shade our homes and keep us cool instead of using air conditioning and electricity. During technology time, we continued to work on our Animal Coverings PowerPoints.

Second graders learned about the life cycle of a sea turtle! Students acted out the life cycle in a game called Turtle Hurdles. Half the class were predators, the other half were sea turtles. next week, we will switch roles so everyone will get a chance to see how tough life is as a sea turtle! We also discussed limiting factors such as pollution, construction, and egg collectors, which are leading to the declining numbers of sea turtle populations. Students discussed ways to help sea turtles and other endangered animals of the ocean. During technology time, students continued to create inferences in preparation for our upcoming technology project.

During STEM Academy, students finally learned who borrowed Mr. Bear! Students watched a video from Detective Phillips, and then read the Case Story that Detective Phillips had sent Miss Phillips. To see Detective Phillips' video, click here. Then, students were introduced to our next unit, which will be based on Engineering. Students learned about various types of engineering from the Discover Engineering website. Then, students were presented with the challenge of building a bridge out of a single piece of 8.5" x 11" paper that could hold 100 pennies. For more information about this challenge, click here.

Well, that's what's happening this week at 260 Cedar Road. Until next time, stay classy Casita...

This week in the lab...

kindergartners learned about the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Students observed three balloons, each containing a different state of matter, and they had to determine which had the solid, which had the liquid, and which had the gas. Then, we opened them to find out if our predictions were correct! Next, students watched a BrainPopJr. video about the three states of matter. Because of the shortened week, kindergartners did not go to technology time this week.

First graders learned about thermometers and how to use them to determine what the temperature is. Students made predictions, then found the temperature of cold water, and hot water. Then students predicted what the temperature would be if they mixed the hot water with the cold water, and finally they tested it to see how close their predictions were to the actual temperature. During technology time, students began making their Animal Covering PowerPoint using microsoft PowerPoint. Students learned how to open a PowerPoint and save it. Then, students created their Title slide.

Second graders learned about animal that lay eggs. Students played a matching game, and then competed for prized with the knowledge they gained during the matching game. During technology time, students continued to write their inferences for their interactive game.

Due to the shortened week, there was no STEM Academy. Next week, students will find out who borrowed Mr. Bear!

Well, that's what's happening this week at 260 Cedar Road. I'm off to go camping. I hope you all have a wonderful 3-day weekend. I'll see you next week! Until next time, stay class Casita...

This week in the lab...

kindergarteners explored the concept of sinking and floating. Students made predictions, and then experimented with various objects and observed whether each object sank or floated. During technology time, students explored various age-appropriate websites that promote literacy and exploration.

First graders learned about animal coverings such as, fur, feathers, scales, and shells. Students performed experiments on each type of animal covering and learned how each one benefits the animals. For fur, students covered one hand in fur, and left one hand bare. Then, they held pieces of ice in both hands and felt which one stayed warmer. Students learned that fur helps animals stay way. Next, students used water and droppers and observed what happens when you drop water on a feather. Students learned that feathers help animals stay dry. Some feathers also help animals fly, and other feathers also help animals stay warm. Students also observed various shells to see that they offered great protection for animals. Last, students observed snake scales and fish scales under microscopes and found similarities and differences between the two. Students learned that scales help to protect animals. Some animal shed their scales to grow (like snakes), while other animals have scales that grow with their bodies (like fish). During technology time, first graders wrote sentences about the 4 animal coverings they learned about in science lab. Next week, we will use these sentences to make a PowerPoint about animal coverings.

Second graders dissected a seed to find out how life begins within a seed. Students were able to identify the three main parts of a seed: the seed coat, embryo, and cotyledon. Students also made a take-home book that talks about the three parts of a seed. During technology time, students learned about making inferences, and then began writing inferences for a game they will be creating on the computers in a few weeks.

During STEM Academy, students visited the last 5 crime labs, collected information, and then came to their conclusions about who really borrowed Mr. Bear. Students then messaged Detective Phillips and told them who they thought was guilty, and what evidence they had that supported their thoughts. Next STEM class, students will find out who REALLY borrowed Mr. Bear!

Well, that's what happened this week at 260 Cedar Road. Until next time, stay classy Casita...

This week in the lab...

Kindergartners learned about air! We learned that air takes up space, and helps us do work. We also learned that we need air in order to live. Each student got a science kit with materials to help us learn about all the exciting things that air can do. Then, students were instructed to take their science kids home and teach their parents all about air. Students also learned how to do a "scientific magic trick" with a dixie cup, paper towel, and bowl of water. During technology time, kindergartners created a picture of something fun they did over Winter Break using Kid Pix.

First graders learned about animal tracks. They learned that some animals have paws, some have hooves, and birds can even have webbed feet too! students rotated through 7 stations, and used molds to create animal tracks in a bin of flour. Then, students had to pair the animal tracks with the animals that made them. Students also played and interactive game called "Swat It" in the StarBoard. During technology time, first graders created a picture of something fun they did over Winter Break using the Kid Pix program. Then, students typed a sentence about their picture and printed it to take home.

Second graders began learning about life cycles. We learned about the human life cycle as well as the plant life cycle. Then, students planted two seeds to take home with them so they can observe the plant life cycle. Students made observations about their seeds, and made predictions about how long it will take their seed to sprout. During technology time, students explored Miss Phillips new website! Students learned how to type in a web address to get to a specific website. Students also learned how to navigate through the pages on my site!

During STEM Academy, students rotated through 5 crime labs and learned more about certain pieces of evidence that were found at the crime scene. Students then messaged Detective Phillips via Miss Phillips' website, and told him about the information they had learned from the crime labs, and about any inferences they had made. Next week, students will be visiting 5 more crime labs and then will attempt to solve the mystery of who borrowed Mr. Bear!

Well, that's what's h

Happy New Year!

This week in the lab...

there is no school because it's Winter Break! Miss Phillips has added some updates to the website though, so be sure to check out the STEM Academy page, Podcast Gallery, Links page, and Photos!

Miss Phillips, Roger, Stella, and the crayfish all wish you a Happy New Year. We are excited to return to Casita on Monday. See you then!

Well, that's what's going on this week at 260 Cedar Road. Until next time, stay classy Casita...