It is no mistake that we will conduct our 1st annual science fair on Pi Day, 3-14. Come and view the science fair projects of the students on this day. 

GEOLOGY

After fine tuning up science fair projects and focusing on make-up work for the last two weeks, STEM class has transitioned to reviewing fractions and starting a new science unit - geology.

This past week, kindergarteners and first graders did some hands on activities to help them visualize fractions and how to find fractions of groups.  They learned that "fract" represents break or division.  They also got to explore many rock samples and will get to explore more of them next week.

2nd - 5th graders also explored rock samples and had to identify three main types of rocks- igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.  On a side note, the 2nd and 3rd graders came into the room excelling and identifying different rocky types.  I am so proud of you guys!  After exploring rocks and discussing the rock cycle, we worked on landform vocabulary.  Students will study the various landforms for their quiz next week.  :)

 Click here for an interactive resource for kids to learn/review lessons on rocks.

Rock Classification Steps

 Twisters were the major topic of this week.  All students created a two-foot tornado using the same ingredients that are necessary for true tornado.  Ask the students if they remember the recipe for a tornado: warm, moist air; cold air; updraft; downdraft; different speed winds moving at different levels.  Have the students explain how they were able to get all of the necessary ingredients.

Students also had fun creating their own rainfall after saturating their clouds.  

Thermometers & Temperature is this week's theme!

This week 2nd - 5th graders will have a quiz on the types of precipitation

 (rain, sleet, freezing rain, hail, snow).  

Julia Greeley Academy's 1st Annual Science Fair

JGA's  first annual science fair will be held on March 7, 2014.  All students will participate.  Please, note, the projects and reports will be due on February 28.

See below for sample display boards.

 

See Science Buddies to help with using the scientific process and with the report.
Checklists, explanations from Science Buddies can be found here!