Learning About Living Organisms

In science we have had great hands-on experiences as we learn more about living organisms, their characteristics, and what they need to live.
Our field trip to the Pier Aquarium was not only enjoyable, but informative, as well. Our tour guide, Ms. Grace, talked with us about many of the sea creatures that live in the tanks there. We observed up close a large eel that was hiding in the back of one of the tanks. We learned what they eat and how they catch their prey. We found out where the mouth is on a sea star and were able to touch a several different kinds sea stars. We learned about clams, corals, and fish found in the waters of Tampa Bay, as well as those in the Pacific Ocean.

The finale was a trip to the waters edge.  Partnered with nets and buckets, the children found sea stars, crabs, and quite a few creatures still in their shells. This experience made for a great connection to our classroom aquariums, which now are home to fresh water snails and guppies.
Since 1988, nearly 4 million visitors have experienced the award-winning marine life programs, exhibits and touch tank at The Pier Aquarium in downtown St. Petersburg. In the spring of 2013 the Pier Aquarium will relocate to the John's Pass Village. Its new name Secrets of the Sea is a 13,000 sq. ft. marine exploration center housed on two levels of John’s Pass Village.  This one-of-a-kind marine attraction and interactive visitor experience combines real-time scientific research, hands-on experiments and living marine exhibits that reveal intriguing mysteries of the ocean.
Our trip to the Pier Aquarium is the springboard to our study of marine life which we will begin now and conclude in January.

Learning About Measuring in Math

As an introduction to the wide range of tools, materials, and activities involved in measuring, the children enjoyed looking around their homes in search of a measuring tool to bring in the show the class. We had tape measures, measuring cups and spoons, medicine syringes, a food scale, a ruler, and a timer. Mrs. Minke brought out a bath scale, a thermometer, a shoe measure, and a yardstick to share, also. We talked about the names of each item, where it would usually be found, and what it could measure. Each student wrote about the tool they bought in and how it was used. The tools were placed in a Measuring Tool Museum and the writing pieces were displayed on the bulletin board near the museum. The children had fun exploring the measuring tools, especially the retractable tape measures.

Ava explores measuring time.

Our first focus for measuring is to the measure length. We have been measuring both how long and tall things are with non-standard items. First we used teddy bear counters. We placed them in lines and counted how long the lines were. Next, we used our hands to measure various pieces of furniture in our classroom. Today we are finding objects in our classroom and recording those that are as tall as our chins, knees, and waists. We will also be comparing the heights of our classmates and recording those that are taller, shorter, and the same heights as the different children. We will discover how many steps it takes to  measure the distance between different locations in our classroom and on campus.

Brianna and Lili measure with teddy bear counters.

Noah and Briana measure with hand lengths.

Next, we will introduce using items such as toothpicks, blocks, and paper clips to measure the width of the tables in the classroom. Later, we will use rulers to draw straight lines and for our measuring activities, as well as measuring tapes.

Measuring is a real world application for writing numbers, number recognition, and  counting skills. It is also a great review of using numbers over 10.

Our Field Trip to Boyd Hill Nature Park

What a grand time we had at the park. the weather was perfect-mild and clear. Truly, Florida at her best! Ranger Ken was informative, and we all learned a lot about animals and their homes. We met a box turtle and all had a chance to pet a red rat snake. We learned that snakes are more afraid of us than we are of them.

On our nature walk we saw an ant lion, a water turtle, a heron, and a gopher tortoise hole. The picnic lunch was enjoyable, but the highlight of the trip for the children was the great playground that they had a chance to explore. The children were eager to stay longer, but, all too soon we had to return to school.  Perhaps they could return soon with their families. The park is lovely and has many special events to offer. Just next weekend there is a campfire with Santa that has been planned! What fun! Only in Florida!

Mrs. Kiernan took many photos which have been printed and glued onto writing paper. The children have each selected a photo that interests them. In Writers' Workshop they wrote great stories about our trip using the photos as a springboard. The setting of course was Boyd Hill, its animal homes, and a few playground snaps as well.  The visit to Boyd Hill also connects to our study of organisms.  We will be adding snails to the aquariums and a few crawling creatures to our terrariums.  Our classroom habitats are coming alive with much more to see and observe.