How We Measure Up

As we go through our day we often measure things around us without even realizing it. I do it all the time when I'm driving. I try to estimate how many car lengths are between me and the car in front of me so that I always have plenty of room to stop if I need to. This week I'm introducing "non-standard" units of measurement. Like the car lengths I mentioned, the students will be using objects to measure other objects. I think this will be fun for them. They get a chance to get out of their seats and on their feet, or their hands and knees. We will be keeping a journal of objects that are used to measure with and compare their findings at the end of the week. You can help them get some extra practice and join in on the fun by going to the websites provided. You've got it down now. Just click on the pictures.

Mrs. Willson

How We Meet Our Needs

As I go through the day with my students I often hear, "I'm hungry", "I'm thirsty", "I need to go to the bathroom", or "I'm tired." The students talk about their basic needs all the time without realizing it. It is a natural part of who we are and how we exist. We don't even really think about it all. This week we are focusing on how we meet those needs and how other living organisms meet their needs as well. We are also discussing how organisms help each other meet their needs. So moms, those frogs outside really are good for the environment. They help eat us by eating those pesky mosquitoes. And dads, worms aren't just for fishing. Click on the pictures to find games and activities that you can do with your child and have fun....

Mrs. Willson

Living or Non-Living - That's the Question!!

This week we will be determing if an object or thing is really living or non-living. This can be made into a fun game to play with your child as you go about your daily routines. As you drive to the grocery store you can point out things along the way and discuss them with your child. This helps to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom and also helps your child see that science is all around us. If you have extra old magazines lying around your house, you could let your child cut out pictures and make collages of living and non-living things. Most kids love playing with sissors and glue and by letting them choose the pictues they make it more personal to them. For more activities just click on the pictures and have fun with your child.

What's Living Among Us?

This week the students will learn about the characteristics of living organisms. Characteristics that living organisms share are 1) they reproduce, 2) they sense and respond to their environment, 3) they have energy, 4) they grow, and 5) consume food. One activity we will be focusing on is observing the parts of animals. What makes them alike or different? All animals have some sort of head, body, and a way to get around (legs, fins, etc.). Follow the links by clicking on the pictures and have fun with your child as you go through these activities together. Some of the content may be a little surprising.

Mrs. Willson

Welcome

Welcome to the Science Explorers edublog. As we cover the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) for Science in our class, I hope to provide you with a fun resouce that you and your child can do together. My goal is to encourage students to be aware that science isn't just in the classroom. Keep checking in to see what's new...

Mrs. Willson