Solids, Liquids, and Gases... and Cheerios!

We wrapped up our unit on states of matter with a fun brochure! Students created an informational brochure for younger students. We used cheerios to show how the different particles move in each state of matter. So fun! You can pick up a copy of this brochure from the link below.

 

 

You can get a copy of the states of matter brochure HERE! Copy this 1-2 sided for the complete brochure.

Best Bird Beak: Animal Adaptations

We've been conducting some fun investigations during our science unit on living systems. To introduce animal adaptations, students used a variety of tools to determine the best "bird beak". To begin, we discussed the types of foods that birds eat and drink, and students were challenged to think about how a bird's beak gives them an advantage over other animals that might eat and drink the same foods.

Students used some different tools to try to pick up sunflower seeds: chopsticks, a dropper, a strainer, and tweezers. Next, students used the same tools to try to get water (nectar) from a jar.

Students recorded their results on an activity sheet. To close, we discussed how the tweezers and the dropper (the overwhelming best tools to get food/water) are like a bird's beak, and how the shape of thier beak assists them in getting the types of food and water they require.

Check out some student work pictures below.

 

 

 

Leprechaun Traps!

Things have been busy busy! To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and to tie in with our third grade simple machines unit, students created Leprechaun Traps! The requirements for the project were that the machines include two of the six simple machines, and that they be workable! Here are some of the finished products:

This project is so motivating to students, and a perfect way to culminate the simple machines unit. This project is completed at home. You can find the instructions for the project HERE.

Simple Machines Project

Please check out these sites for information on the six simple machines, along with some inspiration for your leprechaun traps. Have fun!

http://www.mikids.com/Smachines.htm

http://www.neok12.com/Simple-Machines.htm

http://atlantis.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/finalhome.htm

http://physics.about.com/od/physicsintherealworld/p/simplemachines.htm

http://www.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/

Leprechaun Trap Inspiration:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/to-catch-a-leprechaun-710897/

http://polsellikindergarten.tripod.com/Leprechaun%20Traps/Leprechaun%20Traps%202004/Leprechaun%20Traps.htm