In our study of ancient civilizations this year, we are using as one of our Big Questions, “What did they know, and when did they know it?” The idea here is to explore the concept that some of the things we use today, and the knowledge we have, came from the discoveries of many early cultures. We will be looking at ideas that developed in more than one time and place (say, the development of the calendar), and build our own timeline across the wall of our classroom. Stay tuned for future blog posts from the kids as they chronicle what … READ MORE »
It didn’t feel like a short week in the 4th grade! We seemed to manage to do a lot while also focusing on a gentle transition back from winter break, welcoming a new teacher, and shifting into our next topics of study. The children picked right back up with their routines of the classroom, and began the new year with a wonderful discussion of the class guidelines. I asked them to explain to me why each of the ten guidelines was chosen by the group, and how they feel it has been working. They were some very thoughtful observations. A few … READ MORE »
What happens when we die? Spiritually, I have no idea. But physically, we are a smorgasbord, a buffet, a literal all-you-can-eat feast for millions of organisms. Decay is one big party where everyone stays to clean up until the place is spotless. Science teachers tend to be a little enamored with processes like these. Many of us are fascinated with change and riveted when we find the beauty of transformation in unlikely places. I even came across an AP Biology teacher’s blog titled “All Roads Lead to Detritus.” The idea that your current manifestation is temporary and will undergo dramatic … READ MORE »
To do science, kids don’t need lab coats or test tubes; they need a burning question. In the beginning of the school year, I spoke with a parent of a child in our nursery class. She excitedly asked me “When are you going to start doing experiments with the kids?” She described her son’s recent obsession with creating kitchen concoctions and leaving them in the refrigerator with explicit directions not to throw out his “experiments.” She seemed hopeful that we would soon explore exciting reactions, things that fizz and change color, as well as more methodical approaches to his mixing madness. We … READ MORE »
