Changes

Things are changing fast. September is almost over, fall is upon us, and the children are more excited than ever about what's happening in science. In SK, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Monarch butterflies from the chrysalis that we have been observing so patiently. Last week one of the chrysalis fell from where it was hanging, and the children wondered if the caterpillar was still inside. So they brought it up to the lab and dissected it. It was full of a juicy, green liquid! So we did a little research and discovered that the caterpillar dies and its cells are reorganized into butterfly parts like wings, antennae, tongue, even the stomach has to change to be able to eat nectar instead of leaves. It was a fascinating and wonderful time of discovery for the SK class of Mrs. Pierson. The first graders have been making cloud observations and recording weather changes associated with the different types of clouds. They are becoming such good cloud observers that they are now participating in a NASA research project called "S'COOL". USM has joined with 3684 participating in 83 countries around the globe in this important research effort. In this project, students observe clouds at a certain time, and report their findings online. Their observations coincide with the overpass of a NASA satellite, and are used to validate what the satellite is seeing. Visit for more information. In addition to clouds, the first graders are also studying shadows and recording changes in the length of their shadow once a month. We are wondering if they will notice any other changes as they record their observations. Second graders read a story about a young boy and his dog walking through the woods. Henry wondered why the leaves were changing colors and falling to the ground. So being very curious, the second graders did a lab called "Hidden Treasure". They discovered where the colors that they are seeing in the fall leaves are coming from, why the changes occur, and were also introduced to the process of photosynthesis. Just ask any second grader why we have changes in the leaves now. The third graders are continuing their plant studies determining how tough leaves are by using a simple tool called a "penetrometer". Why would a leaf need to be tough? Why are some tougher than others? Students noticed that there are differences between young leaves and old leaves, and different varieties of leaves. The teamwork and cooperation during this lab was super, and the third graders definitely were scientists investigating a question. The fourth graders have finished putting together a skeleton from the bones they dissected from the owl pellet. They now have a wonderful visual of what some of the owl's prey looks like. Also, in a few weeks, the students will be visited by some real live owls from the "Pine View Wildlife Rehabilitation Center" and get an up close and personal look at the "apex predator". So, not only are there changes occurring in the trees around USM, there are also changes in the levels of excitement, curiosity, and discovery inside the Lower School. Continue visiting this site to learn more about all the wonderful science going on!

Exciting New School Year

Welcome back, everyone! The lab has been bustling with activity already this year. All Lower School students have come in for a safety talk, get their safety goggles (grades 1-4), and have a chance to observe and ask questions about things in the lab. I was invited to Ms. Keppler's PK classroom for a "Toad Talk". The students have a classroom critter named "Millie", and they had done some research about toads and frogs. In SK, we have become great "bug hunters", outside with our nets and hand lenses looking for insects. The SK classes are also busy raising Monarchs in their classrooms. The first graders are studying the weather, clouds, and seasons. Next week, we start our shadow observations to see what happens to our shadows as we go through the seasons. They will also be up in the lab making cloud shapes, so they can recognize the different clouds in the sky. Second graders are observing ants in their ant farms, and getting ready to find out why leaves change color in the fall. The third graders have been using their iPads to help them identify different kinds of leaves, doing paper chromatography to find hidden colors in the leaves, and soon will be using penetrometers to measure how tough a leaf is. Lastly, the fourth graders have been studying habitats, food chains and food webs, and are now in the middle of dissecting the owl pellet to find out why the owl is called an "Apex Predator". Stay tuned to this blog to find out more about all the exciting activities and investigations going on in Lower School Science!