Science Fair Time

The 4th grade students were very busy last week putting the finishing touches on their science fair projects. Students worked in small groups on a selcted topic from "Operation: Resilient Planet", part of the 4th grade curriculum. The students' projects focused on environmental issues, such as too many nitrates in our water, or invasive species, like Quagga Mussels in Lake Michigan. On April 21st, the students presented their results to parents and friends, and to the 2nd and 3rd graders, in Mellowes Hall. Students were able to answer questions about their investigations and received KUDOS cards for work well done. This was the 3rd year for the science fair, and it was a great success! Student poster boards are still on display in the hallways on the 3rd floor. Stop by and take a look.

Simply Marvelous Machines

The 3rd grade is just finishing up their unit on Simple Machines. They tested out the 6 different kinds of simple machines in the lab, and then they had a lab with an educator from Discovery World who helped them construct and test a catapult. Every group had a different design, and they all were successful. Students also spent some time studying the work of Leonardo da Vinci and what some of his most creative inventions were.

"Rock On"

The 2nd grade has been very busy with their study of rocks and minerals. In the science lab, they studied the rock cycle, and identified different kinds of rocks based on their properties. On the field trip to the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, they learned more about rocks, minerals, and soil, and put their science skills to work. Back in the lab, the students made mold and cast fossils, and also petrified fossils. Ask them to describe the process of how fossils are made in nature. Here is a simple experiment you can try at home to demonstrate how petrified fossils are made.

Petrified Paper
The objective is to model how minerals petrify wood.
Make a prediction as to what you think will happen to the paper log soaked in mineral water.
1. Mix a level tablespoon of Epsom salt with 2 tablespoons of water on a plate. Do not use more than a level tablespoon of the salt.
2. Fold a paper towel into quarters and roll it into a "log".
3. Lay it in your mineral water "swamp" to evaporate until dry.
4. Wood petrifies (turns to stone) as dissolved minerals in the water slowly replace wood fiber. How might your log model this process? How might it be different?
5. Wait several days until your log is completely dry.
a. Evaluate your prediction.
b. Does your petrified log burn? Try this with Mom and Dad's help only.

Please let Mrs. Z. know the results of your experiment.

Time to Make the Syrup

It was a beautiful day to begin cooking our 7.5 gallons of sap that was collected from our maple trees just before spring break. The stove was set up in the courtyard and the students visited several times during the day. After boiling down 2 gallons of sap over a 12 hour period, we ended up with a little less than half a pint. Mrs. Z. is going to take the rest of the sap home this weekend and boil it over a bigger fire in a bigger kettle. But the syrup that we did make on Tuesday and Wednesday was DELICIOUS!!!! Can't wait to make more so all the 2nd graders will get a taste. Make sure you check out Mrs. Edwards class bolg also for more pictures and information. http://newsfromroomL115.blogspot.com