Exploring forces and motion with pinball machines

Last week we started our Pushes & Pull science unit! This is an exciting one because the kids get to make their own pinball machines, and use these to learn about forces (how to make an object move in different directions, how to use strong and gentle forces, etc). It's an early introduction to physics and so far has been a lot of fun.

I'm also participating in a group of teachers that is studying how students can use models to show and grow their understanding of scientific concepts, so we have been learning how to use models or diagrams to show what we know. Below are some pictures both of the pinball machine explorations, as well as models we drew of how we moved a crumpled up tissue.

Science unit: What do plants and animals need to survive?

In science this fall we've been studying what plants and animals need to survive. We are investigating a fictional school whose garden no longer has any monarch butterflies living there, and using this story as a way to learn about plant parts, habitats, and how plants and animals survive. We've been on an observation walk, grown garlic with and without water, analyzed several types of plants that did and didn't grow, and planted radish seeds. Below are some pictures from our investigations as well as our models of how plants get the water they need!

Forest Friday buddies

Beginning the second week of school we started Forest Friday buddies! We are joining with a first grade class to do learning adventures in the mini forest and nature-based play space in our school's front yard. So far the kids have loved it. They each have a first grade buddy who they do the activity with, and then get to play whenever they are done. This week we read the book "Tiny Perfect Things" and used egg cartons to make our own collection of tiny perfect things in nature! Last week we drew our buddy in our science journal and practiced labeling with their name, then took pictures together.