1st Grade

First grade students science topics include Earth Science, Physical Science, Life Science and Engineering. Students participated in a schoolyard investigation where they used the investigation process. Students also learn more about the Engineering Design Process and complete an integrated project of art and engineering. Students also explore with technology during their time in the science lab.

Early Fall

First graders students spent some time in the lab building a classroom community as well as learning about tools that scientists use. Students participated in some outdoor learning. They practiced making observations by drawing a picture and writing about the Glacier Hills forest, prairie, and rain garden. They also walked to Fish Lake Park to compare the outdoor environments there to the environments they observe at Glacier Hills.

Students practicing using tools in the science lab.

Students using their Science Notebooks to make observations on the Glacier Hills property. They spend time in the forest and observing plants in the front of the building.

Late Fall

Students also investigate with soil on the Glacier Hills' property. They use their observational skills to try to figure out where mystery soil is from. They spend time outside in the forest, prairie and rain garden and use their science notebooks to record their learnings. They make a claim, back that claim with evidence, and write a conclusion after the investigation is over.

Observing and writing about soils' color, shape, size, and texture.

Comparing soils when water is added and vials are shaken.

Comparing soils to the mystery soil. This is another piece of evidence to defend their claim.

Early Winter

Students spent time learning how to drive Ozobots, Spheros, and Dash robots in the STEAM Room. The focus was to be able to drive each robot in control. It was a great time for exploration and learning.

Students practicing driving a sphero while following a line. The final day with spheros-sphero racing!

Late Winter

During their time in the STEAM Room, first graders spent time learning about sound and how it travels. They went through the Engineering Design Process of Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve, and Communicate to create an instument that would help sound travel down the long hallway at Glacier Hills. They were so proud of the improvements they made!

Early Spring

During the early spring, first grade students learned about plants, plant parts and plant adaptations. They also used the Engineering Design Process to build a plant with all of its parts out of materials in the STEAM Room. They recorded what they did in digital form by creating a book about their plant. First graders also got to spend Earth Day with some special guests that taught them more about plants and helped them plant seeds to take home.

A finished apple tree.

A finished tulip.

A cactus.

Late Spring

Towards the end of the school year, first graders walked to Patrick Eagan Park to participate in some art and science activities. This was a long walk, but they all do very well and it was a great way to end the school year together.

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