October 25

Exploding Pumpkins

First grade and kindergarten chemists investigated matter. Lab partners at four tables poured two liquids (1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar) into a quart size Ziploc bag. Then I folded a tablespoon of solid baking soda inside a small piece of Kleenex, dropped the Kleenex into the bag of liquids, and quickly sealed the bag. Immediately, we watched the bag inflate as a chemical reaction occurred, and the bags filled up with carbon dioxide gas. There was so much force on the bags, some of them exploded! (In Mrs. Sacca’s class, all of them burst!)

In first grade, we changed a variable in four of the bags. We placed cold water in one bag, hot water in another, 1/4 cup of water inside one, and omitted water in the last bag. The bag with hot water exploded quickly because heat speeds up a reaction, and the bag without water seemed to explode with greater force. That surprised us! Repeat this experiment at home and change some more variables.

Click here and here to watch fun videos about matter.

Then we tried the experiment a different way. I poured 3 T of vinegar into a bottle and 3 T of baking soda inside a balloon. I turned the balloon upside down and the baking soda fell into the bottle. What blew up the balloon? Click here to learn more. Try this at home! Send me a picture.

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October 23

Earth Science

Third grade geologists created landforms which are topographical features on the earth’s surface. As we went through the landforms on my Activpanel, we formed them with kinetic sand. Kinetic sand is 98% real sand and 2% non-toxic polymer. It is a fun sensory experience as well because the sand flows through your hands and is easy to mold. Watch for landforms as you travel.

Click here and click here and click here to watch videos about landforms.

Click here to play landform games.

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October 21

Straw Instruments

Fourth grade scientists have been studying sound. We flattened the end of a straw with our teeth, and then cut it like a reed. As we blew into the straw, sound was produced with vibrations. Next, we gradually cut the end of the straw, and as we did the pitch changed. So much fun!

Click here to learn more.

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October 21

Mirror Writing

At the end of fourth grade’s light lab, we tried mirror writing. Mirror-writing is the production of letters, words or sentences in reverse direction, so that they look normal when viewed in a mirror. We certainly employed the growth mindset to complete this challenge! (This was dress in your favorite holiday attire day during homecoming week.)

October 17

Carrot Update

Just ten days ago, PreK botanists cut off the tops of carrots and placed them in water.

In just a couple of days, the greens began to regrow and little roots came off the side of the carrots. Why do you think the carrot greens are taller in one bowl?

Our carrot seeds have also sprouted.
Do you know where the seeds are found on a carrot plant?

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