Launching Science
October 18, 2022 | Posted in: Class Updates
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Today, room 209 students were treated to a DOUBLE science day! Our new science unit is all about how the earth changes, and in the course of the unit, students will learn about plate movement, earthquakes, tsunamis, erosion and weathering, and so much more! To start off the unit, we learned about the four layers of the earth: the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. We used Play-Doh to model the four different layers, and students are bringing home their big blue model of the earth today. I would LOVE for them to be able to cut open their models at home with a grown-up tonight, if your schedule permits. Kids know to share with their “Aunt Petunias” (their grown-ups at home) what they learned about the four layers of the earth. Here are some good questions you can ask them:
- What layer is this?
- What is the layer made out of?
- How thick/thin is it compared to other layers?
- How hot/not hot is it compared to other layers?
- Is it made of solid material or liquid material?
- Why is the inner core solid, even though it’s so hot?
If you are willing, I’d love for you to share photos of your students as they open their models! (They know to let you handle the knives, unless you give them permission to cut them open themselves.)
This afternoon, we were able to participate in a special live program from the Smithsonian Zoo in Washington, D.C. Students learned about different adaptations that animals have to survive. While we don’t start our animal and plant adaptation unit until later this year, this was too perfect of an opportunity to pass up! The kids loved getting to see seals and learn about different physical features that allow them to survive! You can ask your kids about Gunther the seal, why they trim his finger nails, and why he needs eye drops to see! (Hint: Ask how old he is.)
