Like Footprints In The Sand

Already, October has brought us to the end of one important chapter in fourth grade and to the beginning of another in second. Like footprints in the sand, the students in science class are taking steps to make the unknown disappear as they encounter new learning experiences.

Fourth grade began the year with a study of many of the sands from around the world. They studied the physical properties such as luster, magnetism, transparence, and texture. The students also used stereo microscopes to discover the mineral composition of the sands they studied. The study concluded during the fourth grade shore trip where sand was collected from the bay and the beach  while at Cape Henlopen. Small samples of sand were taped into each students nature journal and magnifying glasses were used to explore the composition and physical properties of the sand. When we returned from the trip, everyone made sand study booklets that included samples of the Cape Henlopen sand to remember our fantastic voyage.

   

In second grade, we kicked off our science class study of birds during a visit to Rushton Woods. While there, students learned about bird banding. They learned about the different sizes of bands that are used and the tools that are used to measure the birds for banding.  The trip guides taught the students how banding the birds and tracking them is important to help scientist gather important information for many different reasons. Along with getting to know the names of some of the common birds in the area, the students were also able to pet, hold, and release them.