Brainy Kids

We are studying the human body in Science and Health, so we made brain hats on Thursday.  I have some very brainy kids in my class.

Day 6/366: No Thumbs

We are studying the human body.  On Friday, we ended our school day with a science experiment. We immobilized our thumbs with masking tape and experimented doing daily tasks like writing, tying shoes, and zipping jackets.  The kids had lots of fun, and hopefully learned a thing or two.

Photo #277/365: Science

We started our Earth Materials unit in science.  Kids love science.  I like science too, but I don't enjoy how crazy our classroom gets as these young scientists make their observations and conduct experiments.

Photo #142/365: Building Circuits

There is only a week left of school. In spite of the fact that we are this close to the end of the school year, I decided to start a new science unit. No matter how crazy things might get this time of the year, kids love science, and I knew they would be enthusiastic. As you can see they are working hard here, building electrical circuits. It's a triumph when the light bulb comes on.

Photo #91/365: Owl Pellets

It been a busy week starting with my trip to Edcamp Omaha last Saturday, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, and presenting a technology PD on Wednesday. We wrapped up the week with one of the highlights of fourth grade, dissecting owl pellets. This is part of our Foss Science unit on The Human Body.

The actual dissection is done with toothpicks. Everyone works to identify the bones they find inside of the owl pellet. The kids had a ball, and they learned a lot.

By the time I got home, I was so exhausted that I crashed on the couch.

Photo #28: Dissecting Owl Pellets

Dissecting Owl Pellets
Originally uploaded by BarbaraLN

I have written before about how much my students love science. Today was one of the most exciting days of the school year, because it was the day we dissect owl pellets. Kids come into 4th grade knowing that at some point during the year, they get to participate in this lesson. There is a tremendous amount of excitement, anticipation and curiosity as they open the pellet to reveal the miniature parts of the skeleton within. When they first unwrap the pellet there is lots of giggling and some squeamishness, but soon their curiosity takes over. The room is loud and chaotic, and overflowing with the joy of learning.

Photo #15: Take a Closer Look

Take a Closer Look
Originally uploaded by BarbaraLN

We are still working on science, and as you can see the kids are very into it. This picture cracks me up. The boys are examining mineral samples. Today we were trying to determine which rock samples contain calcite. Did you know that calcite reacts to acid by foaming and bubbling? The acid we are using is vinegar, so our classroom reeks of vinegar right now. That would be my least favorite part of the lesson. I hate the smell of vinegar! Some of the kids were with me on that one.

Photo #12: Young Geologists

Young Geologists
Originally uploaded by BarbaraLN

My kids just love science! I wish I enjoyed teaching it more than I do. I love that they are so enthusiastic and interested. I just wish I had more space to store all the materials, and more time to set up for a lesson. Whatever we are doing, be it Earth Materials, the Human Body, or Electricity and Magnetism, they are absolutely thrilled with every lesson. They love handling the materials, using the magnifiers to get a close up look, and conducting their experiments. They are truly scientists in the making.