First grade classes adopt a tree each year. They observe how the tree changes each season. These are the summer photos of their trees.

Choose a tree to adopt at home too. Identify the species of the tree. Measure the circumference of the trunk, take a rubbing of the bark, and press summer and fall leaves. Look for animals that live on or in the tree. Does the tree have seeds, fruit, or flowers? Keep a journal about your tree.

Third grade electrical engineers continued their study of electricity with Squishy Circuits. They learned the difference between simple, parallel, and series circuits. Clay, an insulator, was placed between the play-doh to prevent short circuits. Then we added switches, motors, and propellers.

Click here to watch an informative video about Squishy Circuits.

Have you watched this Ted Talk about Squishy Circuits?  Click here.

Click here to see the types of circuits we made.

I added this to my light switch as a reminder that we use circuits every day!