Young scientists learn to use their senses to describe the observable physical attributes (such as shape, size, texture, and color) of natural objects. Acquiring sensory vocabulary is an essential science skill. Let’s focus on texture, how objects feel to the touch.

A reptile’s skin does not stretch as they grow, so they shed their old skin for a new one that fits their growing body. Laminating preserves the delicate skin and permits young scientists to observe the patterns and feel the skin without tearing it. (See related post.)

Use the side of an unwrapped crayon to make rubbings and to identify the texture.

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Copperheads

Snake Skins in my Science Lab

Textured Art

Bark

Feely Box

Fun Fact: To distinguish between nonvenomous snakes and pit vipers’ skins, find the anal plate which is the last belly plate and the beginning of the tail. Most nonvenomous snakes have a divided anal plate and a double row of scales from there to the tip of the tail. Venomous snakes have a single row of scales.

We’ve all seen those white, puffy trails in the sky left by jets, but you might not know that they are called contrails, short for condensation trails. When the hot, humid exhaust mixes with cold air, ice crystals form and a cloud trail is created. This phenomenon will not occur if the air is dry.

The sunset changed these contrails orange! It was quite a light show!

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Crossing Contrails

Hellebores also known as Lenten roses bloom in late winter. These clump-forming perennials add a little beauty to the shades of brown that occupy my garden during the cold months. There are so many varieties from which to choose, and each year I try to add a new one. Deer have never chosen to eat the blooms or foliage, and they have survived unexpected drops in temperature. They are also a garden favorite because they require little maintenance and have a long blooming season.

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