“Anything looked at closely becomes wonderful”

-A.R. Ammons

To begin our science exploration this year, we began by reading the picture book, “Ada Twist the Scientist”. As we read, students worked together as a class, to pull out unique traits that they felt represented Ada the scientist. After sharing their collection of words, we used the program Word Art to capture our thoughts in a unique way. We then spent time talking and discussing some of the different symbols we could use to help us better illustrate the concept of Science. After some debate, students chose the science beaker as their symbol for the year. We hope you like our representation.

 Our first science task had students looking carefully and observing a variety of different replica bone artifacts. This unique activity invited many students to become curious, ask and answer questions, and further their knowledge and understanding of different animals around the world.

Working together in small groups, students engaged in a variety of learning opportunities. Some small groups utilized different tools and manipulatives such as: linking cubes, meter sticks, 30cm rulers and string to measure the height, width and length of our artifacts. In addition to this, students noted unique characteristics of their artifacts and wrote predictions about what animals they think the bones belong to. Students were also encouraged to begin thinking about what habits and/or environments these animals establish as a home and how the history of the Earth’s surface can be explained by examining its layers.

Learning Intention: I will be able to look carefully at a unique artifact and explore its unique characteristics, ask and answer relevant questions and make predictions about what animal the bones belong to.

Success Criteria:

• I can engage in critical-thinking and demonstrate curiosity
• I can further my knowledge and understanding of the world by asking and answering questions
• I can make meaningful observations
• I can make predictions using my prior knowledge and the information in front of me
• I can work and cooperate with my classmates to complete a task to the best of my ability

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