November 11

Crystals

Crystals are a special kind of solid material in which the molecules fit together in a repeating pattern. Crystals often form in nature when liquids cool and start to harden. We have found crystals in many of the rocks we have in the lab.  The flat sides of crystals are called facets.

Third grade chemists made crystals using borax and boiling water.  Click here to go to an About.com link that will explain how to make the crystals.  There is also a video on the site.

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November 11

Geodes

A geode is a stone with a hollow space inside lined with crystals or mineral matter. Most geodes have calcite, quartz, or fluorite crystals, but some may also have pyrite.  Most geodes are between 1 and 12 inches in diameter.

A nodule is a geode that has filled completely with deposited minerals, leaving no hollow in the middle.

Third grade geologists cracked geodes open in lab.  The lab was held inside because of the rain.   We put the geodes inside socks for safety.  Some of the geodes were difficult to crack, so we will take those outside and try again at recess.



A geode reminds us of God’s love.  Although others judge us by our appearance, God values our heart and the beauty within us. “For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7

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November 8

Density Cubes

I used these cubes with Pre-First, first, and kindergarten classes as we further investigated density.  The shape and size of these objects are the same, but some sink and others float.  Why?

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November 3

Chip

This chick was named Chip because he looks like a chocolate chip.  I thought his leg was twisted after he hatched, but he actually has extra toes.  He is getting around without any problems.

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November 2

Chicks

We hatched chicks in the Science Lab.  In all, we had nine chicks hatch.  The Simons provided the eggs and are raising the chicks.  They’ll send us pictures as they grow and maybe one or two will come back for a visit.  The video below may not work on an Apple device.

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October 29

Echolocation

My first grade scientists are studying nocturnal animals. After learning that we need light to see, we paired up and turned on and off the overhead lights while we watched our pupils change size.

Shhh! Don’t wake up the lab bats!

Then we learned how bats use echolocation to locate their prey. We are investigating how echolocation works in the pictures below.


Sonar is modeled after echolocation.

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