August 19

Field Trip and Afterschool Enrichment

Another one of my goals is to find places for families to enrich science classroom experiences and for teachers to bring their students on field trips. This past weekend I visited Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center located on Alabama Road in John’s Creek.

They offer after school science classes, family events, and field trips.

Located on 46 acres of ravine forest and historic past, this nature preserve’s two miles of walking trails wind past a scenic creek with rocky shoals, spring seeps, mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a variety of animal life.

A Heritage Village has been created with four buildings original to the site and landmark structures moved from nearby properties. This village and its related exhibit pieces provide an understanding of this area’s proud rural heritage from the mid 1800s to the mid 1900s.

This would be a fun place to take your family to learn more about Georgia ecosystems.

Category: Science | LEAVE A COMMENT
August 18

Scientific Inquiry

We began the year in third-fifth grades learning lab safety rules. A presentation and discussion followed about scientific inquiry: observation (notice) and question (wonder). They are the first two steps of the Scientific Method and essential skills.

One of my goals is for the students to learn how to use science tools correctly. We watched the following video about the proper use of a hand lens. Then we took something off the Observation Station to observe. I will be adding to the Observation Station all year.  Contributions are always welcome!

Category: Science | LEAVE A COMMENT
August 17

I’m Back!

I am very excited and honored to be the Lower School Science Coordinator! I will now be blogging about all the fun and learning happening in our brand-new science lab. My first order of business this summer was to set up the lab. I thought I would show you a before and after look at the lab. This room was previously our Tiger TV studio.

Before

Moving In

Moving In

Ta-Da!

Category: Science | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 10

Bubbles

Carrie and Laura planned a fun Parent Spot around the science of bubbles. Why are all bubbles spheres?  Why do you see colors in bubbles? What causes the skin to form around bubbles? After making our own bubble wands, we went outside and experimented with bubbles.

Category: Parent Spot, Science | LEAVE A COMMENT
May 7

Pandas

Pandas are only found in the wild in China. They spend most of their time eating bamboo in the cold mountains. We watched the pandas on the panda cam at the Atlanta Zoo. There are great photos and videos of pandas on this site.

Atlanta Zoo Panda Cam

We made some adorable paper pandas today.

Category: Science, Social Studies | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 24

Integrating Curriculum

I love integrating curriculum. On our morning flip charts, I always tie in whatever we are learning in social studies and science. During our states unit, I have put a daily fun fact about our country and an outline of a state. There is always someone who can identify each state.

Category: Science, Social Studies | LEAVE A COMMENT