January 31

Craters

Second grade astronomers discussed the following questions:  What is a crater? How is it formed? Then we completed an investigation. Click here.

We determined that the depth of the craters and the ejecta patterns (rays) were impacted by the density and size of the asteroids (balls and rocks) and the force and angle at which the asteroids hit the lunar surface (flour and cocoa).

Moon craters have been named for deceased scientists, scholars, explorers, and artists who’ve become known for their contributions.  Click here to view crater names.

We also learned that there are craters on Earth and we looked at photos of some of those craters.




The moon does not produce any light of its own. The light is reflected from the sun to the earth. We completed an investigation with flashlights and mirrors to better understand reflection.

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January 25

More Snow

First grade scientists wondered how much liquid water would be in the container after the solid snow melted. Mrs. Dickey’s class reported that the 7 inches of snow melted down to 2 1/2 inches of water.


What is a crystal? Snow is made of ice crystals and we observed some rocks with crystals. Then we made a Borax crystal snowflake. I had many requests for this snowflake investigation.

Mix 3 T Borax for every cup of boiling water in a wide-mouthed jar. (We used 9 T Borax and 3 cups of boiling water). Mix until the Borax dissolves. Then drop the pipe cleaner into the solution. It should not touch the bottom or sides of the jar. Allow to sit overnight. Click here for more detailed instructions.

You can form other shapes and food coloring is optional. Valentine hearts would be fun to make!


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January 16

MLK Day

On this MLK Day, I have been reading some of Dr. Martin Luther King’s writings:

Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge which is power; religion gives man wisdom which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals. They are complementary.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

‘A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart’, Strength To Love (1963, 1981)

Martin Luther King Jr.
January 12

Snow Day

No snow in Georgia? Not a problem in the science lab. First grade chemists used a superabsorbent polymer to create snow after a discussion about the right conditions for snow to fall. We learned that every snowflake is unique and has six sections. Such a fun sensory investigation! We used Steve Spangler’s Insta-Snow.

Click here to watch real snowflakes form.

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