Our latest science unit has focused on rocks -- the layers of the earth, the types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic), rock properties and how they are used. We have made rock candy (we've been observing the crystals forming and writing our observations in our science notebooks), eaten rock goodies and cookies representing each type of rock (thanks Navigators!), acted as rock detectives -- identifying mystery rocks by making observations and answering questions such as: Does it float? Is it magnetic? What is the sheen or texture? What is the level of hardness as identified on the Moh's hardness scale?
Last week, we studied some crystal shapes and folded our own 3-dimensional models of them, cracked open our own geodes, and excavated tiny garnets from some Mica Schist formed and found in the north Georgia mountains. The week before that we visited Jerry's Rock and Gem shop in Kent and learned a bit more about rocks from the geologist that owns the shop, and brought home a few treasures of our own. What bunch of rock hounds we've become!
We have also been singing and dancing to this fun rock song:
We visited the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge as a capstone to our studies of animal science and ecosystems, and to learn more about local plants, wildlife, and habitats. Our visit started with a fun class called "Habitat Is Where It's At," with each student taking the role of a different type of scientist - ornithologist, entomologist, ichthyologist, botanist, zoologist, etc. - and examining different items from that habitat. We then donned binoculars for a hike around the 1-mile trail spotting many different birds and animals along the way.
