Busy Bees in Lower School
Lower Schoolers are into the science swing, studying everything from insects to paper towels!
In Kindergarten, the boys are learning about strong structures; triangles, arches, and reinforced materials. They are currently building houses out of common materials that will be tested against the “Big Bad Fan” next week.
First Grade is learning about insects. They’ve learned about insect anatomy (head, thorax, and abdomen), bee-havior (bee waggle dance), tested mealworm reactions to light/dark, gravity, and scent, and have observed metamorphosis. They will be moving on to other invertebrates next week, comparing and contrasting millipedes and earthworms.
Second Grade is deep into their Hudson River Fish Books; the boys are completing their books and moving onto aquatic animal adaptations. They are creating their own animals from a set of given adaptations. Their creativity and understanding of adaptation are shining through.
Third Grade has been reviewing the three types of rocks. They have created metamorphic waffles (observing that some ingredients melt while others stay intact) and conglomerate rocks from plaster of paris and stones. They are excited to move onto their study of volcanoes and earthquakes!
Fourth Grade has moved onto their Consumer Product Testing laboratory unit. They are determining the best paper towel by assessing absorbency, wet strength and price. These activities hone their skills at experimental design as they create their own experiements considering controls and variables.
Family Science has been a great success; we have over 150 people expected at each of the remaining evenings. The Science Challenge is also going well, with outstanding participation.