Happy Scientists Class Updates

After wrapping up our unit on animals two weeks ago, we have transitioned to a new unit on plants. Plants are another type of organism that lives on Earth with us. They are different than animals. This unit will be dedicated to learning what makes plants special, what they need to survive, and how the different parts of a plant works to keep it alive.  Last week we set up several experiments that students will use to observe these concepts first hand. Each planted their own bean plant to observe as it grows. We also work ed to answer the questions, "What do seeds need to start growing?" From our first experiment with growing bags we learned that seeds only need water and warmth to sprout, but what do they need to grow healthy and strong? That will be the focus this week. Below are the reading material for these lessons.

We continue our learning about animals this week as we get into how scientists classify animals. We will practice ethis inquiry skill, but also look at some of the many animal groups that scientists have made. New vocabulary the kids will be learning this year will be vertebrates and invertebrates, two very important animal groups. We will talk about endoskeletons and exoskeletons as well as different types of invertebrates like mollusks and insects. review the reading for this week below and discuss these topics with your child.

After learning about organisms, we are now moving into different types of organisms. First we will focus on animals. this month will be all about animals. We are learning about how all organsims are made of cells and the parts of those cells and what animals need. I will be using some learning games in the classroom which can be found here. I also showed a wonderful episode of Bill Nye the Science Guy about cells. Feel free to rewatch it below. you can also find our reading for this week.