Tuesday, January 7, 2014

January 7, 2014

Jan. 7, 2014 Blog Posting
Preschool Class –
Let’s get ready for the Science Fair!  Yes, your young curious student can prepare a display for the HLACNY Science Fair.  In class, we will continue to do experiments and gradually learn how to ask a good question, how to make a test for that question, and then make conclusions.
I have found a video series – Dino Dan by Sinking Ship Entertainment – that exposes the youngest scientist to the scientific method in an easily digested format.  The cool, colorful dinosaurs are an added bonus. These videos are in our library system and I strongly encourage you to share these short videos at home with your student. 
Today, we learned the three states of matter – solid, liquid and gas.  We played a game identifying substances correctly.  We captured the gas created when a liquid (vinegar) and a solid (baking soda) mixed to create a gas (carbon dioxide). 
Here is a video for your student to watch for fun on the three states of matter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btGu9FWSPtc

Level One –
We are going to explore the scientific method in preparation for the upcoming Science Fair.  Yes, your child can perform a very basic experiment, learn something fun, and present it at the Science Fair. 
Here is a cute chant that we are going to learn in class:
Please have your student practice the chant at home.  

The site below that will give you an overview of what we will be learning.  Though the steps are a bit different from the chant, the material is the same.
Your student will be exposed to some new vocabulary.  Each will be provided with a home study sheet weekly.  It is hoped that you will assist your budding researcher with his or her homework.

After we have completed our study of the scientific method, I will assist these eager scientists during class time to find an experiment or project that will meet their interests and age level.  If you find one with your child, that is no problem!

I have found a video series – Dino Dan by Sinking Ship Entertainment – that exposes the youngest scientist to the scientific method in an easily digested format.  The cool, colorful dinosaurs are an added bonus. These videos are in our library system and I strongly encourage you to share these short videos at home with your student. 

Homework:
  • Review chant several times.
  • Sit and observe your backyard for ten minutes.  Write down what you see or draw pictures.  Bring that back to class to share.


Level Two –

This week’s focus: Making Good Observations

Your Learning Goal:  Be able to explain what makes a good observation.

Videos to Watch and Fill Out your Note-taking sheet:
Scientific Observation
2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsMH9VtdGYM (You will hear the word inference in this lesson.  We will discuss that in class.)
Bring your completed notes back to class on Tuesday.  Please also bring any questions that you have about the videos. 
Did I miss any important ideas from the videos?  Let me know!

Level Three -
Link to our song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA86dYxrg4Q     

This week’s focus:  Scientific Observations

Learning Goals
·       Be able to define and give examples of qualitative and quantitative observations and inference. 
·       Explore a note-taking format that best suits your learning style.

Videos to Watch:   
Qualitative and Quantitative Observations (This video is made by the made by SillyScienceTeacher.  Do you think she is silly?)
Observations vs. Inferences
Observation & Inference Notes (Check out this style of notes.)

Scientist Assignments:
You should begin your research on your scientist.  Please come to class ready to share some observations that your scientist made.  What did she or they observe?  How did she or they observe it?    

Gabby – Lise Meitner
Tamirah – Dorothy Hodgkin
Dan – Wright Brothers
Mary – Virginia Apgar
Sophie – Laura Bassi
Angie – Caroline Herschel
Cecilia – Mary Sommerville
Montana – Jane Goodall

                                                

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