Science Updates Grades K-5 Mr. Dennis

We have been really busy over the past few weeks in Science.  All of our young scientists have been working hard as we explore and experiment in all the different areas of science! From Kindergarten through our Fifth Grade Scientists we have all been working on some new units.

Check it Out!

In Kindergarten we compare the effects of pushes and pulls on an object and learn how to use evidence to develop explanations. This is achieved by having students draw upon life experiences such as bouncing a ball, playing with toy cars, and getting up and down from a chair. When students engage in explorations they will discover how forces influence the speed and/or direction of an object, what causes an object to start and stop, and what happens when objects collide. This allows students to continue learning how scientists use a variety of methods to examine the world.

In First Grade Unit 2 extends the exploration of light by illuminating the relationship between sound and light waves. As students develop an understanding of the relationship between sound and vibrating materials, the concept of structure and function is reinforced. Additional investigations reinforce the idea that sight is dependent on light. The ongoing exploration of the patterns of objects in the sky allows students to make predictions about the sun, moon, and stars. Students apply knowledge of sound waves and vibration by designing, building and improving upon a device to solve a communication problem.  Have your Scientists show you how they communicate with light and sound!

Our Second Grade  Geologists have been working on the processes that change land over time, emphasizing the effects of wind and water. Students explore stability and change and patterns as they examine various forms and rates of change on Earth’s surface. They demonstrate the effects of erosion and weathering on land as they develop and use models. Students investigate the relationship between these changes and the properties of land and water and design solutions that can slow down or prevent changes by wind or water. They analyze and interpret data to evaluate their designs. Students begin to develop their understanding of the concepts of energy and matter as they construct evidence based explanations for the breakdown or reconfiguration of materials, including landforms. Working as Engineers the students have been trying to design ways to slow or prevent the erosion of their landforms in an attempt to protect their “homes”

In third grade our young Meteorologists explore how environments change over time. They analyze and interpret data from fossil records to understand how weather and climate determine the particular characteristics of an area and the variety and diversity of organisms that live there. Students gather evidence to support an argument that there may be a correlation between plants and animals that no longer exist and environmental changes that affect a location’s physical characteristics, temperature, and availability of resources. They make evidence based claims that some organisms survive and reproduce while others move to new locations, adapt to the environment, or die. Students ask questions and define solutions to problems that are caused when the environment changes. Using data, students analyze and interpret weather and climate conditions to discover patterns of weather and make predictions about how it affects the environment.

In Fourth Grade we have been building on the understanding that light is a means of transferring information developed in Unit 1, students plan and carry out investigations to explore the transfer of energy through matter and how understanding patterns can be used to transfer information. Students make observations about energy transfer and transformation which provides evidence to help construct explanations about conservation of energy. Student understanding is applied by designing and testing a device that converts energy from one form to another. Using their knowledge of patterns, students generate multiple solutions to demonstrate the transfer of information by building circuits, testing conductors and insulators and exploring SQUISHY CIRCUITS!

In Fifth Grade students continue investigating the particle nature of matter and energy within the interactions of larger systems occurring on Earth. These systems include the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or the atmosphere. Students support arguments that the gravitational force exerted by the Earth on objects is directed down. Students obtain and combine information about Earth’s systems and how humans use science to protect Earth’s resources and environment. Students use mathematical and computational thinking as they describe and graph the amounts of saltwater and freshwater available in various reservoirs. Using evidence, they define problems regarding human use of resources on Earth.

In grades 4-6 we have also started our preparations for our upcoming S.T.E.A.M. Fair. Students have started thinking about and researching topics they wish to explore for the Fair during the week of March 18th.  Projects from our Fair will be chosen to represent B.S.I. at our District Fair March 28th.  MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW!!!!

M. Dennis