Constellations and The Earth’s Surface

The first-grade girls recently completed their study of space by creating models of constellations. They learned that a constellation is a pattern of stars in the night sky named after animals, mythological creatures, or people. The stars are connected by imaginary lines to form each constellation. Each girl chose a specific constellation to recreate and labeled her work with the name of that constellation. Fantastic work, girls—your efforts truly shine!

After completing their space unit, the girls started a new topic centered on the Earth's surface. They enjoyed creating models of the Earth's layers and learning about the differences between rocks and minerals, as well as their practical applications.

Gravity

Why does the moon have craters? Why does the moon look different each night?

The first-grade girls eagerly explored the mysteries of space, filled with wonder and curiosity. This month, they discovered why the moon has craters. To illustrate this concept, the first-grade scientists created a moon model using Play-Doh and various materials to make craters on their moon.

Next, the girls studied the phases of the moon. They worked as a group to put the moon phases in order. The students read the description of each moon phase and discussed which visual matched the description. The girls then recorded the results in their science notebooks using their pencils to shade the phase of the moon. The moon's appearance changes every night, but its shape remains constant; only the portion that reflects sunlight varies. Be sure to head outside with your young scientists to observe the moon phases together!

Finally, the girls explored the importance of gravity and its fundamental role in space. They learned that gravity is what keeps the planets and the moon in orbit. They developed a model illustrating how Earth's gravity keeps the moon in orbit.

Patterns of Day and Night and the Seasons

This month, the first-grade scientists deepened their understanding of the patterns of day and night, as well as the changing seasons. The students worked in teams to identify the mystery season described by clues at each station. Each group had five clues to help them figure out which season was represented. They collaborated to uncover the mystery.

Finally, the students learned a song about the planets in our solar system and created models of the planets in their correct order.

Where is the Earth's Place in Space?

This month, the first-grade girls began their study of space by exploring the Earth's position in the universe. They created models illustrating how the Earth fits into our solar system, which is part of the Milky Way galaxy—one of billions of galaxies in the universe! 

The girls discovered three types of energy that we receive from the sun and designed posters to illustrate light, heat, and solar energy. They also learned that the sun is the only star in our solar system and serves as its center of gravity. To better understand how the sun and Earth work together to create day and night, the students used a flashlight to represent the sun's light. They demonstrated how the Earth orbits the sun, with four girls acting as the Earth rotating around a stationary sun. Great job, scientists!

Light and Sound

In October, the first-grade girls learned about light and sound. They discovered that vibrations create sound and that light helps us see. The girls explained how both light and sound help us communicate, and they tested their ideas by sending messages to each other using light and sound. To finish this unit, the girls explored matter, light, and sound through various science stations. Impressive work, scientists!

 Properties of Matter

This month, the first-grade girls explored the properties of matter. They started with a bubble experiment and discovered that bubbles share characteristics of all three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Additionally, the girls independently explored the properties of various objects in the classroom. They measured their objects with a ruler, carefully weighed them using a balance scale, and recorded their size, color, texture, shape, temperature, and smell. Well done, scientists!

 Scientific Exploration

The first-grade girls have been diligently learning about scientific tools and their purposes. They have been working together to classify pictures of these tools based on their uses and explain the safe ways to use each one. The students classified tools for measuring weight, size, temperature, time, volume, and appearance. The girls have particularly enjoyed the hands-on experience of exploring the tools. Additionally, they began their study of the properties of matter with a fun observation of popcorn. Well done, scientists!