Can you spot the stomata on this student's photo? They look like tiny mouths and are responsible for the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of water through transpiration.
Today the 5th graders got a refresher (for some) of the Western Scientific Method to prepare for designing their own experiments after the break. Then they got to try their hand at an awesome lab that I did in graduate school! The students first learned about leaf stomata, their job, and what they look like. They then painted the back of a leaf with clear nail polish and allowed it to dry. Next, they adhered clear tape to the dried nail polish and carefully peeled it away leaving an imprint of the back of the leaf on the tape. Lastly, they stuck the tape onto a glass slide and trimmed the edges of the tape.
They then got to view their prepared slide through their foldscopes and see all of the stomata on the back of the leaf! Some students took some awesome photos of their slides! Unfortunately, due to some technical difficulties with our new iPads, we weren't able to get their photos uploaded to their Book Creator Portfolios this week. However, the problem has been sorted out, so they will definitely be able to add photos of the experiments they design next time they are in class!
I'm on the hunt for a few experts to join our class in person or via video chat. If you or someone you know would be interested, please let me know!
Professional(s) who use microscopy or microbiology in their work to teach the 5th graders about their job [Needed sometime before winter break]
A professional who know a lot about brains! (Bonus if you have any way to show the 4th graders a human brain...) [Needed sometime before winter break]
Someone who uses drones for their work (or potentially recreation) to talk about their job with the 5th graders (Bonus if you could fly for us!) [Needed during 3rd quarter]
TV PAGE is a parent group that advocates for the needs of gifted children in the Treasure Valley. You can find their online presence on Facebook, or you can join their upcoming meeting on Thursday November 17th at 7pm at Grace Jordan Elementary School.
As we begin our school year and face new challenges, we are seeking new ways to enrich your child's education both in person and virtually. Our current wish list includes a set of classroom cameras (~$100 ea) and Rubiks Cubes ($12)! Please click on the link below to donate to my Boise Foundation Account. [LOWELL/GATE/GABRIELLI,AUDREY]
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOSE WHO ALREADY DONATED!
IT WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE RIGHT AWAY!
(I'll start posting as soon as I have confirmed which students from each school are on the No Photo List. Thanks for your patience!)