Unit 3 focused on both problems in our world that should matter to us and the scientific concept of matter. It was a three week long unit and students explored both topics of "matter" throughout.
Each class read the text What Matters to get us thinking about our actions and how they have a greater impact than we think!
Here is Mrs. Hilley reading aloud!
Kindergarten and first grade began by exploring the properties of matter with Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons! We read the book and used a scientific tool (hand lens) to examine buttons. We described our buttons and then sorted them according to a property. The students recorded their work in their STEM Journal.
The next two weeks, the kindergarteners and first graders explored solids and liquids. They built structures using solids...Legos, Magnetic Tiles, and Keva Planks. They also painted with baking soda and vinegar to explore what happens when you mix solids and liquids. The students recorded their work in their STEM Journal
Second and third grade learned about the plastic problem that affects our earth and learned about recycling plastic. We repurposed plastic materials to discover some properties of matter. They conducted a plastic bag exploration and made the bag explode! They learned that gas will expand to fill its container and sometimes even rupture the container when it runs out of room. We also learned how to record our work like a scientist so that others can understand our discoveries.
Fourth and fifth grade spent a lot of time learning about the world's plastic problem.
They were shocked to learn that scientists are predicting that there will be more pieces of plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050!!
We learned how some villages are conquering their plastic problem by learning about Bottle Schools and plastic bag crocheting. We're hoping these big efforts inspire us.
To see more pictures, check out the Kindergarten and First Grade Page!
Second and third grade learned about the plastic problem that affects our earth and learned about recycling plastic. We repurposed plastic materials to discover some properties of matter. They conducted a plastic bag exploration and made the bag explode! They learned that gas will expand to fill its container and sometimes even rupture the container when it runs out of room. We also learned how to record our work like a scientist so that others can understand our discoveries.
Second graders explored the states of matter through making slime as well.
Mrs. Hilley had lots of trouble getting it just right, so I had to call in an expert!
Thank you Madelyn!!!
Third grade repurposed plastic bags by making parachutes to safely return rescued sea creatures to the ocean. They learned how to plan and modify those plans in their STEM Journals.
To see more pictures and videos, check out the Second and Third Grade Page!
Fourth and fifth grade spent a lot of time learning about the world's plastic problem.
They were shocked to learn that scientists are predicting that there will be more pieces of plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050!!
We learned how some villages are conquering their plastic problem by learning about Bottle Schools and plastic bag crocheting. We're hoping these big efforts inspire us.
We've decided that plastic problem solutions will be our STEM focus this year. Our fifth graders started our Recycling Program by determining the best locations for our recycle bins.
Both fourth and fifth grades began by preparing presentations to share the plastic problem with the rest of our school. Presentations included poster, slide shows, news reports, commercials, and songs. There will be a blog post soon devoted to sharing these presentations.
The fourth and fifth grade students ended this unit with a Bottle Flipping Challenge. We reused plastic bottles and learned how science and math can be used together. The students conducted experimental research to determine which volume of water would make a bottle flip best.
To see more pictures and videos, check out the Fourth and Fifth Grade Page!
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