First Grade Class Summaries |
February
Physical Science: Matter
The first grade scientists began their study of matter with their classroom teachers and are building on that learning in the science lab. Activities and experiments have included
Physical Science: Matter
The first grade scientists began their study of matter with their classroom teachers and are building on that learning in the science lab. Activities and experiments have included
- testing liquids in different sized containers. Tall and thin containers may look like they hold more liquid, but they held the same amount of water as our shorter, squatter containers.
- a balloon poke - balloons contained a solid (ice), a liquid (water) and a gas (air). Students explored the contrasting amount of movement within each type of balloons.
- creating carbon dioxide with vinegar and soda in water. We tested raisins. First they fell to the bottom of the plain water. But when the scientists added the soda and vinegar, the gassy bubbles attached to the raisins and helped them float to the top!
January
Weather
The first graders have been keenly observing changes in the weather. They made wind socks with a paper bag and streamers to catch the wind in action. At home, you can look for opportunities to show your child evidence that heat rises - a pot of boiling water, steam from a warm beverage, warm air from a vent. Invite your first grader to hold their wind sock above the heat source and see the little tails wave. It's hard to grasp that all of our weather is initiated by the heat of the sun.
Their favorite demonstration was creating a real cloud in a jar using very warm water, a little bit of smoke, and an icy cold lid. You can see our huge clouds on display in the lab on our big bulletin board.
Weather
The first graders have been keenly observing changes in the weather. They made wind socks with a paper bag and streamers to catch the wind in action. At home, you can look for opportunities to show your child evidence that heat rises - a pot of boiling water, steam from a warm beverage, warm air from a vent. Invite your first grader to hold their wind sock above the heat source and see the little tails wave. It's hard to grasp that all of our weather is initiated by the heat of the sun.
Their favorite demonstration was creating a real cloud in a jar using very warm water, a little bit of smoke, and an icy cold lid. You can see our huge clouds on display in the lab on our big bulletin board.
December 11
Weather
Today, our scientists used their new found thermometer reading skill in an outdoor experiment. Half of the students measured the temperature in the sun and half in the shade. The results were varied but demonstrated a clear difference, approximately 30 degrees.
One note, some students are familiar with Celsius which is terrific! We will stick with Fahrenheit in class to keep it simple for our young learners, but as you explore at home, I hope you'll continue to use both measurement units.
Weather
Today, our scientists used their new found thermometer reading skill in an outdoor experiment. Half of the students measured the temperature in the sun and half in the shade. The results were varied but demonstrated a clear difference, approximately 30 degrees.
One note, some students are familiar with Celsius which is terrific! We will stick with Fahrenheit in class to keep it simple for our young learners, but as you explore at home, I hope you'll continue to use both measurement units.
December 4
Weather
The first grade scientist have moved into Earth Science with experiments related to weather. This week, they explored changes in water temperature using a "real thermometer" - they felt very official. They were surprised to see the changes register so quickly moving the thermometer from icy water to warm water. There are many more fun pictures of their exploration in the First Grade Photo Gallery - click the orange link above.
Weather
The first grade scientist have moved into Earth Science with experiments related to weather. This week, they explored changes in water temperature using a "real thermometer" - they felt very official. They were surprised to see the changes register so quickly moving the thermometer from icy water to warm water. There are many more fun pictures of their exploration in the First Grade Photo Gallery - click the orange link above.
November
Sessions #6 and #7
Leaves, leaves, leaves! The first grade scientists took a very close look at a variety of leaves. They learned about ferns and spores in addition to deciduous versus evergreen trees. They are working on a leaf sorting activity to keep in their science notebooks.
They also learned that as the chlorophyl production reduces in dying leaves, other colors become visible. The brightest fall colors are a result of cool, crisp evenings and bright, sunshine-filled days.
Sessions #6 and #7
Leaves, leaves, leaves! The first grade scientists took a very close look at a variety of leaves. They learned about ferns and spores in addition to deciduous versus evergreen trees. They are working on a leaf sorting activity to keep in their science notebooks.
They also learned that as the chlorophyl production reduces in dying leaves, other colors become visible. The brightest fall colors are a result of cool, crisp evenings and bright, sunshine-filled days.
October 16
Session #5
Living things need a safe environment in which to live, all living things. One way humans can stay safe and healthy is by washing their hands thoroughly and regularly.
In their science journals, the first graders added a fold out chart highlighting that all living things need air, water space and food. These concepts will anchor further learning on habitat in the spring.
Session #5
Living things need a safe environment in which to live, all living things. One way humans can stay safe and healthy is by washing their hands thoroughly and regularly.
In their science journals, the first graders added a fold out chart highlighting that all living things need air, water space and food. These concepts will anchor further learning on habitat in the spring.
October 9
Session #4
Traveling Germs
Well, germs don't pack suitcases and take airplanes on vacation, but they are on the move. Students experienced glitter transferring from their hand to a classmates. The glitter passed from person to person four times.
So we wash our hands!! The importance of thorough washing helps all of us stay healthy.
Please ask your child to share our catchy song "Wash Your Hands" sung to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
Session #4
Traveling Germs
Well, germs don't pack suitcases and take airplanes on vacation, but they are on the move. Students experienced glitter transferring from their hand to a classmates. The glitter passed from person to person four times.
So we wash our hands!! The importance of thorough washing helps all of us stay healthy.
- use warm water and soap
- Scrub and rub, rub and scrub, and then scrub some more!
- Rinse and dry thoroughly
Please ask your child to share our catchy song "Wash Your Hands" sung to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."
October 2
Session #3
Our first graders classified many items into one of two groups, living and non-living. Living things need water, air, space and food. Non-living things do not. The trickiest item to classify was rocks. Yes, they are found in nature, but they don't need the same things living things need.
Understanding the needs of organisms is the first step in understanding how to keep our bodies healthy, and later in the year, developing an understanding of how organisms meet their needs in a variety of contrasting ecosystems.
Have a look at the recent addition to our milkweed in front of Room 20 - a monarch butterfly chrysalis! What a beautiful example of a living organism!
Session #3
Our first graders classified many items into one of two groups, living and non-living. Living things need water, air, space and food. Non-living things do not. The trickiest item to classify was rocks. Yes, they are found in nature, but they don't need the same things living things need.
Understanding the needs of organisms is the first step in understanding how to keep our bodies healthy, and later in the year, developing an understanding of how organisms meet their needs in a variety of contrasting ecosystems.
Have a look at the recent addition to our milkweed in front of Room 20 - a monarch butterfly chrysalis! What a beautiful example of a living organism!
September 25
Session #2
First grade scientists heard a story about how science is everywhere, even under a rock in the yard. Please ask them what they like to find as they explore under rocks.
They included a rock (made out of paper) in their science notebook as well as a drawing of the many varied creatures encountered there.
Want to hear the rest of The Science Song? The lyrics can be found by clicking the orange button to the right.
Session #2
First grade scientists heard a story about how science is everywhere, even under a rock in the yard. Please ask them what they like to find as they explore under rocks.
They included a rock (made out of paper) in their science notebook as well as a drawing of the many varied creatures encountered there.
Want to hear the rest of The Science Song? The lyrics can be found by clicking the orange button to the right.
September 18
Session #1
Our first grade scientists launched their interactive science notebooks with a journal entry about what topics they enjoy learning about. This photo shows one writer who wants to learn more about electricity!
The first graders also sang a song with unique lyrics sung to the tune of Good King Wenceslas. It starts like this:
We're scientists at Ocean Knoll in the Exploratorium.
We listen and we learn so much. Science is so fun.
Maybe your first grader can sing the rest for you!
Session #1
Our first grade scientists launched their interactive science notebooks with a journal entry about what topics they enjoy learning about. This photo shows one writer who wants to learn more about electricity!
The first graders also sang a song with unique lyrics sung to the tune of Good King Wenceslas. It starts like this:
We're scientists at Ocean Knoll in the Exploratorium.
We listen and we learn so much. Science is so fun.
Maybe your first grader can sing the rest for you!