Busy little bees!

The kids returned to school rested and ready to learn! Today we were busy as bees as we continued to explore our Science Unit, Needs of Living Things!

ANIMALS

After experiencing chicks and worms, we have almost completed our focus on the needs of animals. Today the children began researching an animal of their choosing in partners. Students explored National Geographic Kids. Partners chose an animal that interested them, and throughout the week will continue to research, using both print and electronic sources. Stay tuned!

PLANTS

Last week we examined seeds, cutting open fruits and vegetables and graphing our findings:

Examining and graphing the seeds of an orange, snap peas,
cherry tomatoes and a peach.

This week we have many ongoing experiments and activities that will deepen our knowledge about the needs of plants. 

How important is light to a plant? We have taken two plants, and have placed one in a dark cabinet and one on our sunny windowsill. We keep everything else the same, such as how often we water them and how much water they receive. Which plant do you think will do better?

Our two plants before beginning our LIGHT experiment.
One student predicted "I think it will blum (bloom) in the light."

How important is soil to a plant? We have collected 4 different samples to grow grass seeds in: rice, sand, soil, and cotton. We are placing these on the sill too, and are watering them all at the same time. Will we be needing lawnmowers for all of the grass we may grow?

How important is water to a plant? We have two plants. One will receive water, the other will not. Which do you think will do better?

Our two plants, prior to beginning our WATER experiment.

We have also been exploring the roots of a plant and how they transport water and nutrients. We have placed some celery and carnations in coloured water, and are watching carefully to see what will happen. Any predictions?

The celery was just placed in the coloured water. One student predicted,"I think that the one in the red will tern red and the one blue tern blue."

The white flowers that were just placed in coloured water. What will happen?

Finally, we took some time to plant our own bean seeds in clear cups. It is only day one, so there are no changes yet, but the clever eyes in our class are keeping a close watch! In the meantime, we will ensure they get a few squirts of water each day. 

We continue to be in awe of God's creations as we learn about the Needs of Living Things!