GEMS Science Class Summary 5/13/13

I can’t believe the end of the semester is already here, but when I look back over all the learning experiences we’ve had together we’ve done quite a bit! From studying the characteristics of Oobleck, to solving a murder mystery, to time outside studying nature we’ve had quite a mix!

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Field Work

This week in class we spent some time discussing soil micro-habitats and the three main kinds of invertebrates found there (worms, mollusks, and arthropods), along with the three main types of plants (mosses, grasses, and dicots such as trees, shrubs, and weeds).

From there we headed outdoors to do a Square Foot Study. Students took with them a 4 foot piece of yarn with the ends tied together, and were assigned a section of our area which we had scouted out a couple of weeks ago. In pairs they laid out their yarn and proceeded to make a list of everything they observed within the circumference of their yarn. If they came upon something they couldn’t identify they made a detailed sketch. Some pairs were in the field, while others were near the stream. It was so great to see how focused the students were. I’m continually reminded with this group how valuable it is to have uninterrupted time outside focusing on nature. It brings a sense of calm and a spirit of inquiry as they discover tiny things that often go unnoticed.

After 20 minutes we gathered together, shared some items from our spots with each other and headed back to the classroom. Next week we will share our sketches and use our field guides to try and identify them.

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Next Week - Schedule Change

Next week we will be ending class a little early (11:30) so we can head into the classroom next door to see the reader’s theater version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream before lunch.

See you next week!