Kindergarten:
Kindergartners have recently investigated the properties of
liquids, including mixtures, colloids and solutions. We observed the effect of temperature on water density, experimented with a variety of tools for transferring water, and watched as water vapor condensed to make "rain" in the classroom. We learned about clouds, and had a lot of fum modeling the different cloud shapes in shaving cream. All of this helped us to understand the water cycle. Lastly, we made small, enclosed "mini worlds" containing earth, water, plants and a tiny plastic animal. It was easy to see the water cycle at work as water quickly evaporated then condensed on the inside of the mini worlds as soon as we put them in the sun.
1st Grade:
First graders have been studying the parts of plants
with a special focus on leaves. We experimented with capillary action and tested the effect of a waxy coating on water loss from a leaf. We
observed how leaf shape, especially the drip tips found in tropical plants,
helps a leaf to shed water. You can learn more about plants and tropical
rainforests with Ms. Frizzle on You
Tube.
1st Grade:
2nd Grade:
Second graders have been learning about the five kingdoms of life: bacteria, protists, plants, fungi and animals. Explore the world of animals, the characteristics of vertebrates, or download the Classify It! game to your phone or tablet (free at the iTunes store).
3rd Grade:
Multicellular fungi, aka molds and mushrooms,
are the plate du jour in third grade. We haveobserved a variety of mushroom species
in the lab, learned about mushroom anatomy and life cycles, and sampled
different lower school sites for fungal spores. Our mold gardens grew quickly
so we experimented with solutions of hot spices, sweet spices, sugar and milk
to determine their effects on mold growth. All of this has given our third graders an appreciation for how widespread fungal spores are in our environment, and the challenges faced by the early Egyptians when mummifying their dead. Learn more about mushrooms here and here. Experiment with using mushrooms to dye fibers here and here, or make paper here.
For those who are not too squeamish, take a look at time lapse photography of rotting fruit or ants dismembering a dead gecko.
4th Grade: We are learning how energy from the sun and other substances needed for life move through food chains. Listen to Ms. Wirtschafter’s friend sing a song about food chains, check out these food chain games, or ask a fourth grader what this parachuting cat has to do with food chains and ecosystems.
5th Grade:
The 5th grade has
spent the last few weeks designing and building towers and cantilevers. They
have learned what compression and tension forces do to a structure when it is
overloaded, how to use ties and braces to strengthen a design, and the
importance of building a stable structure.
The 5th grade has spent the last few weeks designing and building towers and cantilevers. They have learned what compression and tension forces do to a structure when it is overloaded, how to use ties and braces to strengthen a design, and the importance of building a stable structure.
How sturdy can you make a cantilever
bridge? Engineering for Earthquakes lets you design and test the structural
stability of different bridge designs. TryEngineering is another great resource for engineering design games and simulations. Or try your hand
at creating a simple cantilever bridge made entirely of books, designing and testing a parachute or
exploring the aerodynamic
forces of lift and drag.
Garden News: Starts with Smarts
2nd Grade: We began as usual with investigating
the Eco-Station. After correcting what was wrong we went to the
garden. Observing the wind sock, south easterly wind, reading the
thermometers, temperature was 54 F. The students transplanted volunteer
tomatoes from the compost and gourds grown from seeds saved from last years crop.
Science Events
Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth—a
family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a
celebration of the Maker movement.
Learn about whale evolution, biology, adaptations, and
diversity; explore their role in ocean food webs, and find out what threats
they face in the modern world in this exciting new exhibit developed by the
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Total lunar eclipse viewing for total night owls.
It's fast. It's fun. It’s SPEED: Science in Motion with
exciting, hands-on exhibits to test your potential as a Formula One driver.
Each spring, Sienna Ranch opens its doors for special family
and community open house days. Come enjoy our lovable animals, fun activities,
good company, and wholesome environment. Bring your own picnic lunch or
pre-order a healthy lunch to eat on the day.
