For this project, Kindergarteners dove into the world of science. We learned what it meant to be a scientist, how to ask questions, how to engage in the scientific method to answer those questions, and how to observe and write like scientists. We learned about the properties of water and the water cycle, living vs. non-living things, what lives in shells, animal habitats, what animals need to survive, and much more!
~ Students also worked with the science exploratory teacher, Mrs. Lee. Look at their work here. ~
In the month of December, we launched our project by talking about water and introducing the ocean. We conducted evaporation experiments, learned about living and non-living features of the tidepool, and began to build our ocean (tidepool) wall in room 144. |
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In January, students visited the Birch aquarium. After our visit, we were able to take a closer look at mussel clumps. We found many small organisms in the mussels, like shrimp, plankton, barnacles, limpets, and even a tiny sea hare. Students practiced observing closely like scientists, and recording what they see. We also talked about how mussels can hold water in their bodies when the tide changes. A special thanks to Phil Zerofski, the head collector at Scripps, for donating these animals! |
In science, we learned what lives in a shell. We read Eric Carle's House for Hermit Crab, and made painted shells for our hermit crab cutouts. |
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After our field work at the the Cardiff tidepools, Kindergarteners got to chose a tidepool animal to become an expert on throughout the project. Students could choose three animals, and Ms. Lance narrowed down the choices to one. Students were very gracious and excited to learn about all the animals.
Throughout the months of January and February, we met with our 4th grade buddies to learn more about our chosen animal. Our buddies helped us look up important information about our animal. For example, "What does my animal eat?" "How does my animal move?" "Where does my animal live?" "How does my animal protect itself?" and "What are some special features (adaptations) of my animal?" |
As students prepared for our second trip to the tidepools, we learned how to sit patiently, and observe and record what we see, using labels and careful drawings. We needed to use these skills in the field, so we took our observations outside of the classroom. Lastly, you'll see examples of observations from our fieldwork at Swami's tidepools: February 17th, 2015. |
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