After learning about invasive species, students researched to find out what predators ate their plants.  They created a food chain from producer (their plant) through two consumers.  As an art extension they worked on representing this food chain as a collage.  Come to our STEM in Action Fair in November to see the final artwork.

Science From Scientists was back yesterday to work alongside fifth grade.  The students learned about organisms that are harmful to ecosystems by playing a game with native and invasive fish species.   Students could then apply this to their plant study.

Fifth grade scientists have been observing and recording data from their plant experiments.  Some of them have seen dramatic differences already between the control and experimental groups.

In addition to the group plant experiments, each fifth grade classroom decided on a hydroponics experiment to run.  They set up a control and experimental set.  Some have started growing!

Fifth graders designed their own plant experiments with control and experimental variables today.  They planted their choice of crop and are ready to measure growth to see how their experiment turns out.

The Science From Scientists team of Laura and Sara came to Weaver Lake for the first experience this year with the fifth graders.   "Students explored the role of decomposers, the flow of matter, and the cycle of energy in an ecosystem by dissecting a preserved earthworm."