Scientists at Work

Our First Grade geologists went on a hunt to find out how rocks are used in everyday life.

studying a brick wall to see evidence of rocks that were used

checking out the size of the rocks used to make the sidewalk

Clay

In science class, we learned that silt is smaller than sand, but there are particles even smaller than silt... clay! We had so much fun with this "earth material"!

Our clay creations and 3 vials of clay experiments

Busy Learning in First Grade

Here are a few things we have been doing recently.

Measuring with non-standard units, such as blocks, chain links, and paper clips

Using screens to separate mixtures of rocks into pebbles, gravel, and sand

Improving our math skills with DreamBox

Playing s-blend bingo

Properties of Rocks

We've been exploring so many types of rocks from rocks that came from volcanoes to river rocks to rocks that we found right around the school!

We have been sorting the rocks by their properties, including shape, size, color, texture and luster (dull or shiny).

Action!

In Writing Workshop, we have been learning ways to bring our stories to life. We have been making characters move and talk, stretching out the story to tell it bit by bit, and showing what the characters are thinking and feeling. 

Some of us tried acting out our stories, to see what we could add to make our stories even better!

Geologists at Work

We have started our first science unit, Pebbles, Sand, and Silt.  So far, we have been using 3 types of rocks. Our first experiment was finding out what happens when rocks rub together. (It makes sand!)

Our next experiment was finding out what happens when rocks are placed in water. 

The rocks changed colors and turned shiny. One kind even bubbled! The First Graders came up with even more rock experiments they would like to try. You may want to search for rocks around your yard or neighborhood and experiment at home.

Fiesta Time!

Last week, we had fun culminating our unit on different cultures by breaking a pinata.

 Everyone got to hit it a few times, even though it ended up on the ground.

At the very end, we got to grab the candy! Even though our unit on different cultures is finished, our learning is not. We will continue to learn about cultures from around the world throughout the school year, and beyond!