April 30

Rust-Part Two

Pre-First scientists analyzed their data and drew some conclusions after observing their experiment this week. Rust is formed when iron and oxygen react in the presence of water. However as we discovered, sometimes iron objects have a coating (galvanization) on them that prevents rusting. When results didn’t match our hypotheses, learning occurred.

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April 30

Shell Study

Second graders are studying invertebrates and PreK scientists will begin an ocean unit, so both groups investigated shells in lab. All shells begin as a home for an invertebrate. If a shell is empty, the animal died, was eaten, or in some cases changed shells. A hole in a shell indicates a predator penetrated the protective covering.

Both groups classified their shells into bivalves and gastropods and then found new ways to sort their shells into groups.


The following picture shows you the spiral inside some gastropods. Next time you are shelling, don’t pass these by!


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second grade students also classified shells using two properties with a Venn diagram. The common attributes were placed in the intersection.

 

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April 30

Magnets

Third graders continued their investigation of magnets. They explored how magnets repel and attract with floating magnets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, we aligned electrons to magnetize a paperclip and created a temporary magnet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magnets attract iron which is the 26th element on the Periodic Table and an essential nutrient. We discovered that iron fortified cereal contains pieces of iron. We used a neodymium magnet to pull the iron out of the cereal. Click here for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A compass is a lightweight magnet and the needle lines up with the earth’s magnetic field. Lab partners used these compasses to demonstrate the magnetic field of the magnet they encircled. When we switched the poles, the needles turned. Click here to learn more. Fascinating!