Our new lizard, Lucky, was molting today. “Brown anoles molt in small pieces, unlike some other reptiles, which molt in one large piece. Anoles may consume the molted skin to replenish supplies of calcium.”

One morning during our book fair, JP and I happened to both be looking at posters. I mentioned that I wanted a Minion poster because they dress for lab. When he won a free book at the book fair, he chose this poster for me. What a sweet surprise!

In Social Studies, third grade is studying explorers. Early European explorers used ships, called caravels, for their exploration. These ships had triangular sails and could easily sail into the wind. Students worked in collaborative groups in the Makerspace Classroom to build caravels from their choice of materials. Then they tested whether their caravels could float in the science lab. In this STEAM activity, students used art, science, engineering, and math concepts to successfully complete their designs.

Jabba, a White’s tree frog, is always a favorite in the lab and a constant source of entertainment!

I think Squirt, a red-eared slider, is trying to “hibernate” (brumate) which isn’t easy in a room full of noisy scientists! Last winter, she stopped eating for several months and had me worried, but one spring day, she wanted food again. The turtles in the pond behind school can no longer be seen floating in the water on warm days. Most turtles go deep into the mud and leaves at the bottom of ponds during winter months. Their bodies slow down, so they don’t need to eat anymore and they stop breathing through their lungs.

We welcomed our first lizard to the lab this week! We currently have one brown anole, but I hope to add several more as they become available. Click here to watch a video about anoles.

It has been on my to-do list to make a child friendly Periodic Table, so that I can refer to it during our labs. I have listed the first twenty-two elements. I am going to challenge my scientists to learn them in order. Click here to learn a song that will help with memorization.

In conjunction with their Earth unit, third grade scientists traveled to the Dahlonega gold mines- always a fun field trip! Thank you chaperones! I was helping Mrs. Kiefaber’s class, so there are more photos of her students on this video.