2023-2024
Amphibians and Animals Life Cycles
This month, the kindergarten scientists learned about amphibians and what makes them so unique. The girls enjoyed illustrating and sharing books about these fascinating creatures. After learning about amphibians, the students explored the different types of animal life cycles. The girls worked in small groups to sequence a variety of animal life cycles. Great job, girls!
Birds
Last month, the kindergarten girls had an exciting time studying animals. Their focus was on fish and birds. During their lessons, they discovered that fish have gills that enable them to breathe underwater, and they were amazed to learn that fish are the oldest living species on Earth. After studying fish, the girls shifted their attention to birds. They read the book 'Harry the Snake Bird' by Wendy Carbo and explored ways to protect birds in their community. The girls examined how litter affects wildlife and water sources and discussed the importance of keeping the Earth clean. After the discussions, the girls pretended to be birds, using their hands as beaks to eat birdseed. They first ate their meal without obstruction and then attempted to eat with a band around their beaks, facing the same challenge as Harry the Snake Bird. This demonstration helped the girls understand the effects of pollution on wildlife. In addition, the girls had a great time making bracelets and creating models of the sun, moon, and Earth to simulate an eclipse. It was an educational and entertaining month for the girls, and they are excited to learn more about animals in the future.
Animals
The Kindergarten students have started a new unit that focuses on animals. As part of this unit, they have been comparing various animals and their differences. Through their observations, they have discovered that each animal moves differently, lives in different habitats, and undergoes different stages of growth. Additionally, the students have identified the six main groups of animals and have sorted different animals into these classifications. The groups include mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and birds. The girls will continue to learn about each group of animals and will discover ways in which we can help protect their habitats.
Photosynthesis and Pollination
The girls in Kindergarten are taking good care of their seeds and closely observing their growth. They have learned that for plants to produce their food, they require sunlight, air, and water, a process known as photosynthesis. The girls have also discovered that plants need the help of bees and other insects to reproduce. To better understand this concept, they conducted a hands-on activity using paper flowers and Cheetos to simulate pollination. This activity helped the girls learn about the importance of pollination in the reproduction of plants.
Plants
In January, the kindergarten girls began a new science unit on plants. They started by discussing living and nonliving things and sorting and illustrating them. After that, the class learned about the various parts of a plant and their functions. They also explored the factors influencing plant growth, such as what plants require to grow and how the environment can impact their growth. Currently, the girls are observing the growth of seeds in six different environments and recording their predictions in a journal. This activity will help them gain a better understanding of what plants need to thrive.
Observing and Describing Texture and Temperature
This month, the kindergarten scientists explored the properties of texture and temperature. First, they worked together in small groups, examining objects to determine each object's texture. After careful observation and discussion, the girls labeled each object smooth, rough, bumpy, hard, soft, or squishy. The squishy Play-Dough was the favorite!
Next, the kindergarten girls inspected three beakers of water to determine which contained cold, warm (room temperature), or hot water. Each beaker contained one thermometer used to determine the temperature of the water. The girls learned how to read a thermometer and record temperatures. They had a great time exploring the properties of different materials and discovering the impact of temperature on them. It was not only a fun experience but also an educational one, which left them with a newfound understanding of the world around them.
Properties of Matter
Kindergarten girls began a new unit this month exploring the properties of matter. To launch this unit, the girls used their senses to observe a banana. They documented the weight, length, texture, smell, and even taste of the fruit. Next, they worked with a partner to examine mystery bags to determine whether the contents were solid, liquid, or gas. The girls composed a color chart and then explored the properties of shape, length, and weight. Well done, scientists!
This month, the kindergarten girls concluded their study of seasons and the weather. Each girl created a unique tree highlighting her favorite season. The girls also conducted an experiment testing the rate by which candy corn dissolves. Each class observed four beakers; a beaker of oil, a beaker of vinegar, a beaker of cold water, and a beaker of warm water. Before putting the candy corn into the separate beakers, the girls wrote their hypotheses about what they thought would happen to the candy. They then observed the changes and recorded their findings. Way to go, scientists!
This month, the kindergarten girls began learning about the weather and seasons, and their effect on us. The girls read about different types of weather, (day-to-day and severe); and how the sun affects our weather and us. The girls conducted two outdoor experiments. During the first experiment, they discovered that not everything gets warm in the sun. Grass and plants stay cool because they use the sun’s energy to make food! During the second experiment, the girls worked in teams to create a shade structure to test how the sun’s rays affect a cup of ice water. After conducting each experiment, the girls returned to the classroom to discuss their findings. Great job, scientists!
The kindergarten girls learned that they use their five senses to gather information about the world; that information is then sent to their brains to help them learn. The girls also discovered that scientists use their sense of sight along with observational tools to help them learn and gather information about the world. After using a hand lens to view items from nature, the girls carefully illustrated their favorite items. Way to go, girls!