Exploring Our Spring Tree

Spring is Here! Things are growing and changing in our class. We took our science notebooks outside to document what our tree looks like in Spring and how it is different from the winter tree, fall tree, and summer tree.

Science Fair is Coming!

Dear Parents,

The John B. Dey PTA Sponsored Science Fair is an exciting event that encourages students to think like young scientists. Conducting an experiment using the scientific method has many educational benefits. Students develop skills in creative thinking, problem solving, writing, and organizing a presentation. Though optional, we encourage every child to participate. After returning their registration sheets, students will be given specific instructions for the steps to be taken in preparing their science projects. Most of the work will be completed at home; however, some teachers may choose to work on projects in school as well.

We ask that you encourage your children and monitor their progress along the way. Your guidance is key to a successful project, but be careful that you don’t end up doing the experiment yourself, no matter how much fun it would be! Please complete and return the attached Science Fair Registration Sheet by Friday, February 24th so that your child’s scientific discoveries can begin!
Mandy McCall, Science Fair Chair
348-7609 or mandymccall@verizon.net

Science Lab- Exploring the Five Senses

Our Fall Pumpkin Day!

What is a Scientist?

Today we extended our "what is a scientist" lesson with Mrs. Law. We looked at a leaf magnified under the smart camera. We also explored leaves with our five senses.

Penny Science Lab

Caterpillars and Butterflies

Our caterpillars are now in a chrysalis state and we are so excited to watch the lifecycle of turning into a butterfly. Each year the butterflies really keep me on my toes and this year was no exception- we actually had to have a little health procedure done to the butterflies that involved three other people (thank you Nikki, Lynn, and Kathy for all of your butterfly medical advice and especially for Nikki for actually performing the procedures on these delicate creatures), a tricky trip down the hall that involved a chair with wheels, a few tense moments, a panic phone call to Nikki's second grade class, and a lot of brainstorming. But the good news is that it appears that everything is back on track and the chrysalis' look happy (?) and healthy. Stay tuned for pictures of when we release the butterflies (keep your fingers crossed that all goes well:)

Plants Technology Lesson

Measurement Lab

Earth Day Technology Project

Let's Recycle

Today we had a special visitor, Kathy Russell, who came to visit our class to talk about recycling. Kathy Russell is the education consultant at TFC Recycling and came to share what can be recycled at school with her dog Taylor who wore a vest of items that are able to be recycled. Many students said they do not have a recycle bin at home. If you live in a single family home (not an apartment or condo), please call the city to request a recycling bin. Thanks!

Science Lab!

Today we had our science lab on water. Many thanks to our parent volunteers doing all the science experiment stations for us.

Scientist of the Day

We have begun "Scientist For The Day" and are taking turns sending the scientist bags home with each student. Please keep the bag for up to two nights. So, that means if it goes home on Monday it must be back to school by Wednesday. No excuses please. We have children waiting their turn. All instructions are in the bag, please take a few minutes to read them when your child comes home with the bag. Thanks!

PTA Science Fair

The JBD PTA is sponsoring the annual science fair. Today we watched "Archibald Frisby" which is a great story about a boy who loves everything that involves science. If you and your child are interested in being part of the science fair (this is totally optional) please look on the JBD website for more information at http://www.deyes.vbschools.com/

Science Games

Are you interested in online science games and modules? Check out
http://www.fossweb.com/

Investigating and Exploring Shadows

Today we had a shadow lab with Mrs. Law and used a flashlight to investigate how shadows change depending on where the light comes from.

Trees in the Fall

Germs Make Me Sick!

Today we watched the story Germs Make Me Sick! on Reading Rainbow. We learned about bacteria and viruses. We also saw what germs look like under a microscope in the video. After watching the video, everyone was very motivated to keep washing their hands (smile).

Celery Science

This seems to be science week in our classroom. Today with Mrs. Law we explored how plants absorb water by using the classic celery experiment with food coloring. The students loved it and loved examining the celery pieces with a magnifying glass.

Our First Science Lab- Exploring our Five Senses