My PreK scientists used sharpies to color a design on cotton fabric. As we dropped rubbing alcohol on the fabric, the sharpie pigments blended. Click here to learn more about this investigation.

My second group of fourth grade biologists completed their ecosystems. They are in their rooms for them to observe and care for as needed.

My Pre-First scientists began lab by observing the leaves on some of our plants. The colors, patterns, and textures amazed us! Then we carefully drew the leaves I had collected for them from trees around campus. My scientists noticed that the leaves had different shapes and that the edges of the leaves varied too. When we turned the leaves over, we could clearly see the pattern of veins. Finally, we chose a leaf to paint and print.

Why do leaves change colors?  Click here to find out! My scientists know that green leaves have a pigment called chlorophyll which helps the plant make food in a process called photosynthesis, but how can we find out what other pigments are in a leaf? Chromatography is the answer.We tore leaves into small pieces and placed them in rubbing alcohol. The leaf pigments separated as the mixture traveled up the filter paper.

This large caterpillar was found outside near the pond behind the Lower School. After some research, we discovered that it is the larval stage of the silk moths we saw several weeks ago. Click here to read that post and to watch a video.