Planting Bulbs

We planted tulip bulbs in our garden as a part of a global citizen science project. When they emerge in the spring, we will compare how our bulbs did with those of other communities around the world.

Sinking and floating

We were studying sinking and floating in October and November. We started by coming up with a definition of sinking and floating, so we could always agree if something was floating or not. Then, we tested a number of objects and materials, and tried to come up with reasons why they floated or not. Some of our reasons were correct, and others were not.

We then had the challenge of making something heavy that can float. We created boats that could support rocks on them! Here's a video of this investigation:


Then, we tried to make clay float without using any other materials. Our clay ended up dissolving in water too easily, and none of the groups ended up being successful, but they quickly began working through multiple iterations of problem solving ideas. One group said, "Now we're on Plan G!"

Mr. MacLellan brought in a boat he made out of concrete. It was really heavy, but its shape made it float (until enough water came in through cracks in the concrete, but we won't talk about that...).

Looking for our houses on Google Maps!

The Research Process

We are working with Ms. Steim on a research project about bees. We started by thinking about how to do research, came up with some possible steps, and then used a graphic organizer to help us understand how to do it. We figured out that research is a big cycle, with each step informing the ones ahead and behind it. Constantly going back and revising is a big part of successful research.

Studying and Making Maps