In Science Class . . . Week of 12/14

This week, the students are investigating the properties of various minerals. On Tuesday, we practiced our observation skills by describing minerals based on their color, size, texture, transparency, and mass. On Thursday, we will testing each of the four minerals for hardness, a key property in mineral identification. Our test will include attempting to scratch each mineral with a fingernail, a nail, and a paperclip, then recording results and interpreting data. Key questions to ask students: What were some observations you made about the minerals? Which one was the hardest? The softest? How could you tell?

Have a wonderful break, everyone!

In Science Class . . . Week of 12/7

The students this week were introduced to the concepts of rocks and minerals. They measured and weighed rocks, practicing using tools and making observations. They then separated the components of rocks (minerals) using a geologist's "pick" and water, making observations about their findings. Key questions: What did you observe about your rock? What were the different "minerals" you found in your rock? How is this similar to what geologists do?

In Science Class . . . . Week of 11/30

Prior to starting our earth science unit, we are taking some time to do some fun experiments. Today we mixed Diet Coke and Mentos, which created a four foot plus fountain of soda on the yard. I initially thought this was a chemical reaction, but after some research, found that it is generally thought to be a physical reaction. The Mentos candy has tiny pits on it, which promotes the fast formation of gas bubbles on the surface of the candy when it is dropped in. The gas is already present in the soda in smaller formations. Who knew?? The students recorded observations and came up with some scientific questions about how they could futher modify the experiment to understand the process more. Questions to ask your students: What happened when Ms. Jenkins dropped the Mentos in the soda bottle? What did you observe? Were there differences in the two bottles? How did that affect the size of the fountain?

In Science Class . . . Week of 11/23

This week we'll be completing our unit test on "Mixtures and Solutions." Good luck to everyone! I also am adding a new website I found that has fun at-home science experiments. So, just in case you have some extra time over the break, enjoy with science! Students, check with your parents before working on anything : )

Here's the link. I am also adding it to the links on the right side of the page.
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html

In Science Class . . . Week of 11/16

This week, the 4/5th graders will be finishing up their periodic table posters, and presenting them to the class. I've seen some very creative presentations in the works, and I look foward to the finished product! After wrapping up the periodic table, we will be working on a study guide for the unit test on Mixtures and Solutions. This test will be on Tuesday, November 24, just before Thanksgiving break. The study guide we will be working on in class will be very similar to the test, and will go home this week to allow students to review over the weekend if they would like.


If you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to email me at caitlin_jenkins@berkeley.k12.ca.us.
I'd love any suggestions about the blog, and I am going to try to start posting science-related community events. If you know of any upcoming ones, please let me know. Thanks!

In Science Class . . . Week of 11/9

The students took a quiz last week on chemical reactions, which we have been studying as part of our Mixtures and Solutions unit of the FOSS curriculum. This week, we will be working in class on studying the Periodic Table more in depth. The students will be working in groups to study one particular group on the Periodic Table and create a poster to share with their classmates. If you would like additional information, there are some great links regarding the Periodic Table posted on the right side of the page.