In science, we discuss the many special gifts that nature gives to us. We explore nature and look for items such as acorns, leaves, small rocks, and sticks that we consider to be treasures. Often, these small items find their way home in coat or pants pockets and backpacks. These items are significant to the children because they are testaments to the connection that they have made not only with the item, but also with the natural world that surrounds them.
This autumn, we have been provided with a bounty of gifts from nature and, from them, learning opportunities. In Preschool 3, the children learned about the life cycle of an apple tree and prepared a delicious apple crumble recipe that they enjoyed as a late afternoon snack. In Preschool 4, the children cheered with delight as they watched their apple volcanoes erupt!
The Kindergarteners created mementos of their nature walks by lovingly and carefully crafting journey sticks using yarn and natural treasures that they collected. As well, the kindergarteners learned about what scientists do and conducted experiments using basic kitchen ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar, vegetable oil, food coloring, and water. They were thrilled to make “potions” and worked with focus as they mixed mystery ingredients together.
In first grade, the students worked carefully to observe, draw, and then paint fall gourds. These beautiful paintings are hanging on the bulletin board outside of the Exploratorium. They learned about why leaves change color in autumn and collected leaves for a chromatography experiment. Through their experiment, the children were able to see all of the colors hidden within a leaf, as the various colors were separated out onto filter paper.
We are so lucky that we were able to watch and take part in the transition from summer to fall on our beautiful campus. We look forward to what winter has in store for us!
LS Science Update
2nd-4th Grades Overview
This fall, second through fourth graders started off the year learning about the lifecycle and migrations of butterflies. October brought second and third graders the opportunity to integrate Halloween into our curriculum with some spooky skeletal science! Second...
5th Grade
Fifth grade STEM classes have been exploring the following questions: How can a mixture be separated? Where does the solid material go when a solution is made? How can you separate a mixture of dry materials? What is the difference between dissolving and evaporation?...