We finally started Science this week. We teach Science using something called Foss Kits which give the kids a lot of hands on opportunities. As you know, when kids are working with their hands, they are having fun. It's awesome when kids can have fun and learn at the same time!
Our first kit is called Physics of Sound. You can visit http://fossweb.com/ to learn more about this unit. The basic goals of the kit are:
Observe and compare sounds to develop discrimination ability.
Communicate with others using a drop code.
Learn that sound originates from a source that is vibrating and is detected at a receiver such as the human ear.
Understand the relationship between the pitch of a sound and the physical properties of the sound source (i.e. length of vibrating object, frequency of vibrations, and tension of vibrating string).
Compare methods to amplify sound at the source and at the receiver.
Observe and compare how sound travels through solids, liquids, and air.
Use knowledge of the physics of sound to solve simple sound challenges.
Acquire vocabulary associated with the physics of sound.
Exercise language, social studies, and math skills in the context of the physics of sound.
Develop and refine the manipulative skills required for investigating sound.
Use scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations and build explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing.
Communicate with others using a drop code.
Learn that sound originates from a source that is vibrating and is detected at a receiver such as the human ear.
Understand the relationship between the pitch of a sound and the physical properties of the sound source (i.e. length of vibrating object, frequency of vibrations, and tension of vibrating string).
Compare methods to amplify sound at the source and at the receiver.
Observe and compare how sound travels through solids, liquids, and air.
Use knowledge of the physics of sound to solve simple sound challenges.
Acquire vocabulary associated with the physics of sound.
Exercise language, social studies, and math skills in the context of the physics of sound.
Develop and refine the manipulative skills required for investigating sound.
Use scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations and build explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, and organizing.
We were able to get through two investigations this week. We practiced discriminating sounds with Drop Chambers and we used sounds and codes to send messages using the Drop Chambers again. They did great! Next week, we will start recording our findings in our science journals. Those will be fun to show you at conferences.
Scientists in action:
We've been working on math facts in the Computer Lab using a program called Math Facts in a Flash. If your child went to the elementary school, he or she is familiar with it. I like this program because it takes them through their facts starting with addition and works all the way through converting decimals to fractions. (Yes! I will help them with that.) It allows each child to work at their needed level. We have been working on that for about 20 minutes and then they spend about 20 minutes on http://www.coolmath4kids.com/. This is a favorite! There are definitely some "brain stretchers" here. My rules....no "shooting" games and your brain must be challenged! Check out this concentration!
Remember, we have our Open House/Ice Cream Social Monday night (Sept. 21st). It is from 6:30 until 8:00. I will explain the routines of the classroom and answer any questions you might have. Hope to see you there!
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