Week 5
Let's take a field trip!!
Hands-on learning with a lot of fun thrown in. We walked down the street to our local beach area known as "The Sands". There was no pre-planned agenda for what we were going to do, it was find something interesting that we can discuss and learn about. We found sharks teeth, numerous sea shells, fiddler crabs, sea snails, oysters, clams and checked out the catch of someone who was fishing. We learned how to throw a cast net to catch some shrimp and hoe to bait a set a crab trap off the dock to catch some Blue Crab.
When we returned to the classroom we turned our adventure into some quality art work and interesting scientific writing in our journals. There was a lot of information for us to use for several good lessons that we also tied into ELA with reading books about the ocean and the animals that live in it.
Pictures of the fun are shown below!!!!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Leggo Engineering
Leggos are are great way to learn the mechanics of engineering. The students learned to design and build working objects that used gears, motors, or a combination of both. The Leggo company has many great kits available from beginner to advanced designs along with the lesson curriculum that makes these great educational science lessons.
Photos are posted below!!!!!!
Leggos are are great way to learn the mechanics of engineering. The students learned to design and build working objects that used gears, motors, or a combination of both. The Leggo company has many great kits available from beginner to advanced designs along with the lesson curriculum that makes these great educational science lessons.
Photos are posted below!!!!!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
This week let's talk about bubble science!!!!
Bubbles are easy and a lot of fun but can lead to a big mess. It is better to do this outside if the weather cooperates, if not, I found that buying the Janitor a fried chicken lunch will get you a lot of help when it comes time to clean up.
The recipe is the key to long-lasting strong bubbles. Depending on what you plan to do with bubbles determines how much you need of the ingredients. My general rule of thumb is:
For every large bottle (32 oz) of commercial bubble solution, I add one cup of Dawn dish washing liquid (original style unscented works best). Stir easy to mix together without making bubble as much as possible. Little bubble in the mix interfere with making bigger bubbles. Some recipes say to add glycerin to help strengthen the bubble walls, this is a judgement call you have to make. You can get glycerin at most drug stores.
TIP: When handling a hula-hoop like I did, and when trying to pass your hand or any other object through a bubble wall, ensure your hands or the object is completely covered with bubble solution or it will either pop the bubble or not even let it form.
If you use a pool to make human sized bubbles make sure that there is a dry step or stoop for the person to stand on so their feet doesn't get wet and soapy.
I have included some pictures below!!!!!!!!
Bubbles are easy and a lot of fun but can lead to a big mess. It is better to do this outside if the weather cooperates, if not, I found that buying the Janitor a fried chicken lunch will get you a lot of help when it comes time to clean up.
The recipe is the key to long-lasting strong bubbles. Depending on what you plan to do with bubbles determines how much you need of the ingredients. My general rule of thumb is:
For every large bottle (32 oz) of commercial bubble solution, I add one cup of Dawn dish washing liquid (original style unscented works best). Stir easy to mix together without making bubble as much as possible. Little bubble in the mix interfere with making bigger bubbles. Some recipes say to add glycerin to help strengthen the bubble walls, this is a judgement call you have to make. You can get glycerin at most drug stores.
TIP: When handling a hula-hoop like I did, and when trying to pass your hand or any other object through a bubble wall, ensure your hands or the object is completely covered with bubble solution or it will either pop the bubble or not even let it form.
If you use a pool to make human sized bubbles make sure that there is a dry step or stoop for the person to stand on so their feet doesn't get wet and soapy.
I have included some pictures below!!!!!!!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Science is FUN!!!!
At least it should be in school.
I am a firm believer in hands-on inquiry as a major component of any classroom. Years ago I was able to apply this in my own way in my first teaching position. I was a full time sub for the Science Lab teacher which ended up becoming a full time position for me. The Principal allowed me free reign in teaching the students as long as I met our state standards.
I was very excited and because I enjoyed science so much my enthusiasm transferred to my students. We were learning so much together I decided to get a Masters degree in Elementary Classroom Science.
A friend of mine who owned a Coastal Estuarium (Aquarium of marine plants and animals found in salt water marsh areas) allowed us to partner up with his research project on revitalizing the areas oyster beds and improving water quality levels. We created a school science club and worked with him in the marsh and tidal creeks once a week during school hours for 4 years. In that time we earned several grants for research and classroom lab equipment along with winning a state environmental Heroes of the Environment Award which was presented by the Governor at the State House.
Science is still a big pastime for me even though I teach Gifted and Talented English and Math. My grand kids are always getting something interesting for their birthdays and Christmas.
At least it should be in school.
I am a firm believer in hands-on inquiry as a major component of any classroom. Years ago I was able to apply this in my own way in my first teaching position. I was a full time sub for the Science Lab teacher which ended up becoming a full time position for me. The Principal allowed me free reign in teaching the students as long as I met our state standards.
I was very excited and because I enjoyed science so much my enthusiasm transferred to my students. We were learning so much together I decided to get a Masters degree in Elementary Classroom Science.
A friend of mine who owned a Coastal Estuarium (Aquarium of marine plants and animals found in salt water marsh areas) allowed us to partner up with his research project on revitalizing the areas oyster beds and improving water quality levels. We created a school science club and worked with him in the marsh and tidal creeks once a week during school hours for 4 years. In that time we earned several grants for research and classroom lab equipment along with winning a state environmental Heroes of the Environment Award which was presented by the Governor at the State House.
Science is still a big pastime for me even though I teach Gifted and Talented English and Math. My grand kids are always getting something interesting for their birthdays and Christmas.
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