Science Resources

Pebbles, Sand, and Silt Module

We will be studying rocks, one of the most important earth materials. Our investigations will center on the properties of rocks and the uses of various rock sizes (pebbles, gravel, sand, silt, and clay). Students will be working extensively with materials—observing, comparing, and communicating what they learn through their firsthand experiences with earth materials. We will also be investigating different kinds of soil and comparing soils that we gather from our community. At the end of the unit, students will be introduced to natural sources of fresh and salt water.

Your child may ask for help finding a rock or two to contribute to our class rock collection. A rock from your yard or neighborhood is fine. As our study continues, your child will be learning more and more about rocks. Try to find opportunities to talk with your child about sand, gravel, soil and water, and ways people use these materials in construction (asphalt, concrete, bricks, mortar, etc.) and landscaping. This is an engaging theme for a family outing.

We’re looking forward to lots of discoveries and new experiences as we explore the earth materials that can be found all around us. If you have any questions or comments, or have expertise you would like to share with the class, please let me know.

Solids and Liquids Module

We will observe the properties of many solids and liquids, comparing how solids and liquids are alike and how they are different; organize the results of our inquiries; and communicate both orally and in writing the things we discover. These processes (observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing) are the basic thinking processes students need at this age to develop a scientific understanding of the world around them.

Your child may ask you for help finding solids and liquids at home. You’ll want to discuss and compare the different characteristics of those you find. (For example, how are salt and sugar alike? How are they different?) You may find yourself observing what happens when solids and liquids are put together. Making lemonade or salad dressing can provide interesting observations when solids and liquids are mixed. Watching an ice cube melt is a way to observe a solid change to a liquid.

We’re looking forward to lots of fun and lots of learning as we explore a world full of solids and liquids!

Insects and Plants Module

We will be caring for and investigating several different insects, and growing a plant from seed, to find out about their lives. Some of the insects that will be visiting our class undergo complete metamorphosis, as in the classic case of the butterfly—egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. Other insects reach maturity by growing through a less dramatic sequence of stages in a process known as simple metamorphosis. The plant we will grow will go through its full life cycle—seed to plant to flower to seed— in just one month. Your child may demonstrate a heightened interest in insects and plants over the next several weeks.

One goal of our work with insects is to help the children develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of life and to cultivate a sense of respect for all living things. If your child wants to catch an insect in a jar, please invite your child’s insect friend into your home for a short time, and encourage him or her to return the insect to the wild after a short captivity. If you are interested in seeing what we have going on, as usual you are invited to visit and take part in the excitement. We’re looking forward to lots of fun and lots of learning as we explore a world full of insects!