Jan. 21, 2013 Blog Posting

Kindergarten Class –

Today, we reviewed the three states of matter – solid, liquid, and gas.  We reviewed the traits of these states.

We changed the state of matter in class.  We melted a candle thus turning solid wax into a liquid.  The best part was turning chocolate chips into a melted liquid and chilling it back into a solid.

Homework:  Find some matter in your house that can change from a solid to a liquid, or liquid to solid, or any change of state.

Please draw a picture of that matter in both states in your Science Journal.

Level One –

Our chant to practice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YyOUTZXaII

Today, we practiced our prediction skills. 

First, we learned about the surface tension of water.  We conducted a few demonstrations about water tension.  After we made several observations, we began and demonstration but stopped halfway.  Each student made a prediction about the outcome based on our prior knowledge.

HOMEWORK:  Find something at home that you think can be held up by the water’s surface tension.  Test your prediction.

Level Two –

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

This week’s focus: Scientific Variables

Your Learning Goal:  Be able to answer this question: 

1) What is an independent variable?

Video to Watch and Fill Out your Note-taking sheet:

Bring your completed notes back to class on Tuesday.  Please also bring any questions that you have about the videos. 

NOTE:  Only watch this video up to Spring Break. (3:56)

Science Variables

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2606GQmDqY

 Parents, I think there is a large amount of information on this eight-minute video.  I would like to take it in bite-sized pieces.  Please use your discretion with your own student.

Level Three -

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

This week’s focus:  Variables in Scientific Experimentation

Learning Goals: 

·       Be able to create a scientific question with an independent and dependent variables.

·       Continue to explore a note-taking format that best suits your learning style.

·       Find out some basic information on your scientist and what might have been one independent and dependant variable he or she chose.

Videos to Watch:   

Science Variables

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2606GQmDqY

You Know All Your Variables (One Direction Parody)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIoddS_uTbc

Testable Questions Using Independent and Dependent Variables

This video is largely just a straight four minute talk.  Please bear with me on this.  It is good information.  Listen to it twice and try to take good notes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSlsVb9X1sY

Scientist Assignment:

You should begin your research on your scientist.  Please come to class ready to one independent and one dependent variable he or she might have chosen.

Gabby – Lise Meitner

Tamirah – Dorothy Hodgkin

Dan – Wright Brothers

Mary – Virginia Apgar

Sophie – Laura Bassi

Angie – Caroline Herschel

Cecilia – Mary Sommerville

Montana – Jane Goodall

Jan. 14, 2013 Blog Posting

Preschool Class –

Our students are still focusing on the three states of matter.  Today, we learned some properties of each:

Gases: molecules far apart, usually can’t see gas, takes the shape of its container

Liquids: molecules close together, visible, takes the shape of its container

Solids: molecule together tightly, visible, usually holds its shape

Your young scientist was presented with a Science Journal to record things he or she notices in their world.

We learned about tally marks today.  They may need to practice this with you or at least get a refresher.

HOMEWORK:  Watch a friend, parent or pet for one or two minutes.  Record how many times he or she blinks using tally marks.   If your child can write, he or she can spell out the name of the person or pet.  A drawing of the observed one is totally okay.

Level One –

Today in class, we reviewed observe and infer.  There should be a handout pasted in your student notebook. 

If you get confused or are unsure in any way, please email me: libbymonte@yahoo.com.

HOMEWORK:

1) Continue to practice the chant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YyOUTZXaII

2) Observe a place, person or animal.  Record three factual observations – something that is a fact, not opinion.  Then, make one inference from all the information that you have.

(Example:  I see a neighbor’s house at night.  There are no cars in the driveway.  There are no lights on in the house.  There is a package from the postal worker on the front porch that has not yet been picked up.  Those are my facts.  I will infer that my neighbor is not home.)

3) Please record this in your science notebook and bring it back to class.

Level Two –

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

This week’s focus: Creating a Scientific Question

Your Learning Goal:  What is a good scientific question?

VIDEO:  A Testable Questions (Very short video with examples of Testable Questions)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeJRLHtCCBg

There are notes from class and a homework assignment.  The notes should be pasted into your science notebook.

HOMEWORK:  Compose one bad scientific question for each of the points from your notes.  Example (Good Scientific Questions are not about opinions.  My bad question is:  Is hot chocolate the best drink for the winter?)  (Good Scientific Questions can be proven true or false.  My bad question is:  Do aliens live on Mars?)

When your bad questions are complete, think hard and create TWO scientific questions about which you could create an experiment or do a test.

If you are not sure and you want to chat with me, please email me any time – libbymonte@yahoo.com.

Bring your notebook back to class on Tuesday.  Please also bring any questions or cool observations that you would like to share. 

Level Three -

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

This week’s focus:  Testable Questions

Learning Goals: 

·       What makes a good scientific question?  

    Be able to list several do’s and don’ts. 

·       Continue to explore a note-taking format that best suits your learning style.

·       Continue to find out information on your scientist.  Try to find out what she or they did specifically in words that you and all of us will understand.  Please think about a good scientific question that she or they would have asked.  Think of good question that would be testable.

Videos to Watch:   

Science Fair: 

Asking Testable Questions Notes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5XMbpfDxF8

A Testable Questions (Very short video with examples of Testable Questions)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeJRLHtCCBg

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:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YyOUTZXaII

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.

 http://www.smartfirstgraders.com/scientific-method-for-kids.html

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 –

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

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

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My1UTMIHbyI

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?)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94rIH6O92x0

Observations vs. Inferences

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XJCjkVzieI

Observation & Inference Notes (Check out this style of notes.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfJ-eB-dl_Q

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

                                                

   

Dear Parents,

I like to review material studied in a fun way. Game show format has always received rave reviews from the students.  We will playing Earth Science Jeopardy next Tuesday, Dec. 10 during class for Levels 1-3.   I will have questions from the material that we have covered.  Each correct response will receive a certain amount of science bucks depending on the difficulty of the question.

Today in class each student was reminded of material to be covered and given sample questions.

I am putting together a "Christmas Shop" for the classes where their Science Bucks may be exchanged for holiday gifts, books or candy.

If you have any items that you would like to donate to the Christmas Shop, please feel free to bring them in.  Some suggested items are:  unopened McDonald toys, a very gently used book, an old gift that was never opened (I have some of these), or a bag of candy.

For the new year, we will be spending six weeks learning the scientific method.  We will have a song to learn as we delve into each step.  This series will be differentiated for each level.  I hope this will be good preparation for your student's entry in the Science Fair.

Please email me if you have any questions about class - libbymonte@yahoo.com.

:) Libby 

  
Dear Parents,

We are discussing rocks - how they are formed, their uses, and how to identify them.  The three types of rocks - igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic - have been discussed and sampled. Level One are labeling igneous rock as volcanic rock.  This is not completely accurate, but it lays a nice foundation for more advanced Earth Science in the years ahead.

Level One
Please ask your student to sing the "Three Types of Rock" song for you!  It is to the tune of "Are You Sleeping, Brother John."  

Volcanic - formed when molten rock cools
Sedimentary - layers of sediment (sand, silt, mud) settle onto the bottom of a body of water
Metamorphic - rock changed by heat and pressure

I may be holding your student's notebook.  Some asked that I hang onto it, so they would be sure to have it each week.  We are placing notes and pictures on the pages weekly.  If you would like to see it, please ask your cherub to bring it home.  


Level Two
We have made rock samples with candy.  Igneous is cooled molten rock.  Our demonstration was melting chocolate chips and then cooling them again.  What a tasty rock!
For sedimentary rock formed in layers, we compacted bread and other food stuff into sedimentary sandwiches.
Metamorphic is changed by heat and pressure.  We squeezed a Milky Way and then sat on it during class.  

We will be composing a booklet on these three formations.  It will be coming home next week.


I have asked these students to prepare a quick oral presentation for class next Tuesday on one rock.  Your student should have received a piece of paper with a type of rock.  He or she should research where that rock is found and how it is used.  Since this is a first presentation for many students, we are only looking for three things - eye contact, good volume and correct information.  Please let me know if you have any questions on this assignment.

Level Three
This is a good video on a upper middle school/high school level.   It covers the three rock types and the rock cycle.  The rock cycle will be our focus next week.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=three+types+of+rocks&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=D677C14D425625133CE5D677C14D425625133CE5

Please let me know if you have any questions.  
:) Libby
libbymonte@yahoo.com

Dear Parents,

Please bring in empty peanut butter jars with lids, any jar lids, and cereal or cracker boxes. Don't forget your Earth Science notebooks!
Thank you.

LEVEL ONE
Your student has learned about the earth's layers and volcanoes.  (If you student entered Level One after the first of the school year, I am trying to catch her or him up.  It is no big deal.)
Currently, we are learning about the three different types of rocks - volcanic, sedimentary and metamorphic (or changed) rocks.
I am printing out colorful bits for your student's Earth Science notebook.  A few have left their Earth Science notebook with me for safekeeping.  If you want to see it, please let me know.
During class we do cover a bit of a tiny bit of phonics.  My goal is to have these students enjoy science and know that it is fun to explore.

Recommendations for home follow-up:
Any picture books on rocks, volcanoes, and how the Earth was formed would be super.
DVD - Where Do Mountains Come From? (Billy Blue Hair)  This is a very cute DVD with tons of great information in an easy format.  I am sure your cherub would want to view it more than once.  This is in the Onondaga County library system.


LEVEL TWO
Your student has learned about the earth's layers, tectonic plates, volcanoes, and earthquakes.  We are now exploring the three ways that rocks are formed on our planet.  My goal is to give your child a very basic foundation for Earth Science while having fun in a small group.  Please let me know if you feel this goal is being met for your family.

Each week, we add something to our Earth Science notebooks.  Please ensure that your student brings her or his notebook each week.

Recommendations for home follow-up:
DVD - Bill Nye's Rocks and Soil, Bill Nye's Earthquakes, Bill Nye's Volcanoes
Many great books on earthquakes, volcanoes and types of rocks are in our library system.
If your student likes historical fiction, I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906 and A City Tossed and Broken: the Diary of Minnie Bonner might be of interest.


LEVEL THREE
There should be a fault lines map in your student's notebook and information on Pangaea.  We are now studying the relationship of volcanoes and earthquakes along these tectonic boundaries.  We will be moving into a review of rock types and the rock cycle.  We will wind down in December with elements, rocks, minerals, and crystals.

When Academy resumes in January, a more in depth look at minerals will begin.

My goal for this class is to expose your student to higher level Earth Science topics in a fun class setting.  If you or your Level Three student have specific Earth Science topics that you wish to explore, please let me know.  I have a list of topics for our class.  If you wish to see this at any time, please let me know.

Recommendations for home follow-up:
The Bill Nye videos mentioned for Level Two would be a fun review.  There are some fun videos on YouTube "Geology Kitchen" on several good topics.

Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback.

:) Libby

Dear Parents,

Your Level One students will be studying volcanoes this coming Tuesday, Oct. 1.  I am planning a demonstration - yes, the baking soda and vinegar example - after we discuss then
add a few diagrams and information to our notebooks.

Your Level Two students are not doing volcanoes YET.  They will learn about tectonic plates. We will have several hands on demonstrations.

We will have more items to add to our science notebooks so please bring them along.

Thanks, Libby

Here is a fun video for older students to see plate tectonic movement in a kitchen demonstration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjSaKKdZ3DI