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!