Our "Earth's Layers" Creations

To conclude our study of the Earth's Layers, the 5-6 classes created edible models using different food items.  Some students chose to make mini pizzas, while others decorated cookies.  We labeled our layers (crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core) using index cards and then got to taste our delicious creations!  Check out the pictures below!

Oreo Lab Experiment

Our first lab experiment of the year was to find out if "Double Stuf" Oreos REALLY have double the filling of a regular Oreo cookie.  We studied the steps of the scientific method in order to complete this experiment and its corresponding lab report.  The students observed each type of Oreo cookie and then measured their masses using a triple beam balance scale.  They also measured the mass of each filling to determine if the filling in the "Double Stuf" cookie was actually double.  Overall, the groups determined that most cookies appeared to be double "the stuff"!  Here are some pictures that were taken throughout this experiment.

Field Trip to NY Botanical Gardens

The 5-6 students visited the New York Botanical Gardens on Friday, October 9 to study a plant's relationship and interaction in the water cycle.  Even though it rained during our walk through the gardens, we experienced a great workshop with their program instructors on this topic and created our very own terrariums.  I can't wait to see them start to grow! Below are some pictures from the trip.  Thank you to all the parents who volunteered to chaperone this trip!

Back to School Night Video

Here is the video slideshow that was created for Back to School Night 2015.  The students were photographed as they worked with scientific tools in measurement stations during the first few weeks of school.  Thank you to all those parents who attended Back to School Night last month!

Gummy Bear Science

In order to learn the steps of the scientific method, the steps needed to complete all lab experiments in science, the 5-6 students participated in a week long lab experiment using gummy bears.  The students first reviewed theses important steps during a class lecture.  Next, they received each step of the lab separately, in order to gain a better grasp of how to perform each step.  First, the students received gummy bears to make initial observations.  They measured and determined the mass of each color, using rulers and a three beam balance scale.  Next, they developed a question, or purpose, for completing the lab.  The goal was to determine what will happen to 4 colors of gummy bears while they soak in 4 different solutions overnight.  Students wrote questions and then made predictions based on their observations and prior knowledge.  Would the gummy bears shrink, grow, disintegrate, lose color, or change shape?  The students included sketches of their predictions on their lab sheets.  Finally, final observations, graphs, and conclusions were made.  Vinegar, baking soda, water, and salt water definitely have an effect on gummy bears!  Take a look at the pictures below to see the students in action during the completion of this fun lab!

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to a new school year!  I am so excited to start off a new year in 5-6 Science.  This year we will be learning a lot of fun and interesting topics, such as the solar system, the periodic table of elements, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism!  Check this blog throughout the year for pictures and information on the different activities we will be completing in Science.

Throughout the first 2 weeks of school, the students participated in a positivity challenge.  They were instructed to write positive comments about a fellow classmate on the board.  We will continue this challenge throughout the year to help promote positivity and respect in our class.  Take a look at the pictures below to learn more about the challenge!