561 and 564 Pet Rock Pictures!

Our Pet Rocks!

The 5th and 6th Grade Science student have been working very hard to design their own pets using a rock and a variety of craft materials.  This project coincides with our unit of the rock cycle!  Once our pet rocks are completed, students will write a story or a comic strip that explains their pets' adventures through the rock cycle.  Check back for pictures in the next few days!

Clay Models of the Earth's Layers

Fifth and Sixth Graders recently completed a lab on the layers of the Earth, or the "geosphere".  They received 4 different colors of clay to mold and shape into the layers of the Earth!  Check out the pictures below from this lab experiment:

United Water Assembly and Farmer's Market Trip

Thursday, October 3, proved to be a fun and exciting day of Science for the 5th and 6th graders at TCCS!  In the morning, the students participated in a hands-on presentation from the wonderful staff at United Water.  First, we learned how water is cleaned and filtered at the local United Water treatment plant in Haworth, NJ through a DVD presentation.  Next, we learned what a watershed is, how they form, and how they work to supply us with accessible water.  Students modeled a watershed using aluminum trays, parchment paper, aluminum foil, water, and eye droppers.  They looked at the different variations of of natural watersheds and discovered how they work to form natural reservoirs that we can then use as a part of our water supply.  The United Water presentation concluded with a short discussion of water conservation and helpful hints we can all do at home to help conserve our country's water supply.  It was a great learning experience for all!

Our day of Science concluded with a visit to the Teaneck Farmer's Market.  Students had the opportunity to meet and listen to a presentation done by WNBC4 meteorologist Raphael Miranda.  The 5th and 6th graders got to ask him questions about weather, meteorology, his career, and his inspirations that led him to where he is today.  It was a very informative presentation and Q&A session that was enjoyed by all.

Special thank you to the staff of United Water's School Outreach Program, Raphael Miranda, Ms. Kathy Wicklund, Mr. D., and the 5th and 6th Grade teachers for making these programs such a success!

Check out the pictures below from these events:

Oreo Lab

The 5th and 6th Grade Science students at TCCS have been working very hard to test if "Double Stuf" Oreo cookies really have double the stuffing than regular Oreos.  Together as a whole class, the students discussed the topic, observed both types of cookies, and made hypotheses about the size of the deliciously sweet cream filling.  Was the cream filling in the "Double Stuf" cookie actually double?  Or is it all a sales tactic and false advertising?  The students were on a mission to discover the truth!!!

Our first step was to write up a procedure to determine the steps to this experiment.  Then it was time to measure!  The students used a triple beam balance to measure the mass of both cookies and their cream fillings.  What were the results?  Well you'll just have to check back and see!

In the meantime, check out these pictures from our lab:

Our First Lab!

Students have begun the process of learning The Scientific Method, in order to apply it to their first lab experiment.  We have received notes, watched videos, and even sang a rap song all about the steps of the scientific method.  The next step to use our knowledge of these steps to develop a lab about "Double Stuf Oreos".  We will design the lab together in our lab periods and then carry out the experiment that we have developed.  The students are anxious to test their hypotheses and hope to get a taste of these sweet treats!

Check back later in the week to see results and photos!

Today was a successful first day in 5th and 6th Grade Science!  Students participated in a Student Fact Bingo game in order to learn more about their classmates.  Congratulations to all our winners!  Miss Z. demonstrated a really fun experiment using milk, water, food coloring, and dish soap.  Watch the video from YouTube below if you're interested in seeing it over again or trying it out at home.  Check out the awesome pictures below to see our results, too!  The students were also introduced to the topics we will be covering this year by reviewing our hallway bulletin board.  Each topic is represented by an "app" on our very own iPhone!  During our lab periods, the students had the chance to create their own iPhone with "apps" that represent information and fun facts about themselves.  Stayed tuned for our final products!  Hope everyone enjoyed their first day as much as I did!

Color Changing Milk Experiment