JK - On with the Quirkles – Our Junior Kindergarteners were highly engaged in the related experiments following Gilbert Gas, and his explanation of carbon dioxide. We made things pop, fizz, and blow up; as they watched a balloon grow! Hallie Heat helped the students understand how some colors reflect heat while others absorb heat. We also explored the parts of a thermometer and they made some discoveries of their own. The concept of scientific inquiry and scientific terms such as inquire, compare, and infer were introduced by Inquisitive Inman.  Making invisible letters appear from invisible ink was the highlight. We discovered that with a little lemon juice and iodine, one could write a secret message.  Jazzy Jet explored the principles of aerodynamics as we explored what happens when you try to make a jet in the shape of a square or a circle. As a culminating activity, we learned to make super flyer paper jets; then conducted our own long distance races to test and evaluate the design of our final products.

SK - Our Senior Kindergarteners have been conducting a series of investigations of some of the unique properties of water. We have used our senses to observe the properties of salt water and fresh water and, through experimentation, discovered the differences in the buoyancy capabilities of each. We have predicted and conducted races when we explored the rate at which ice melts using different shapes and sizes of ice. Our ultimate conclusion was that surface area made a difference.  After conducting a week long disappearing water activity, we discovered that water can evaporate and become a gas in the air.  “Ice Cube on a String” demonstrated to us that water can exist in different states. With a little salt, ice cube, and piece of string, the students performed what seemed to be a trick to learn that water can change from solid to liquid and vice versa. Our Seniors are presently conducting experiments on the main components of the water cycle. We have discussed where we find water and the source of rain, followed the water cycle during a class demonstration, and created our own individual water cycles. It has been exciting to “make” it rain!

Becky Rehder
Science Teacher
JK-SK