Science with Mrs. Spina
We always begin the school year with a trip to The Liberty Science Center Where Science=Fun!!
Almost every science unit in Mrs. Spina's class is introduced with one of the Magic School Bus books. As Ms. Frizzle would say, "Take chances! Get messy!"
The first unit we study is "The World's Oceans." We investigate the ocean floor, the moving ocean (waves, tides, and currents), ocean resources and pollution, and the ocean food chain. We also touch briefly on ocean life. We do many hands-on activities during the unit. We also do research to make our "ABC's of the Ocean" quilt.
Below are some interesting website links that will help us explore the world's oceans:
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The next unit we study is "Rocks and Minerals." We explore the rock cycle, the different types of rocks (igneous, sedementary, and metamorphic), and volcanoes. We have many examples of rocks and minerals in our classroom to test for hardness, luster, etc. We also make mini volcanoes that really erupt! A highlight of this unit is our visit to The Sterling Hill Mine in Ogdensburg, New Jersey. They have a huge collection of unique minerals, including fluorescent ones!
Below are interesting website links that will help us explore rocks and minerals:
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Our third science unit is "The Solar System." We study the nine planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto; asteroids; meteors; and comets. We make individual mini-books with facts and our own thoughts on the planets. A portable planetarium comes to our school - we lie on our backs and look up at the "heavenly bodies."
Below are interesting websites that will help us explore the solar system:
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Our fourth unit is "Electricity and Magnetism." First we learn about magnets and magnetic fields. Then we learn how to construct simple circuits, parallel circuits, and series circuits with batteries, wires, and lightbulbs. We also explore conductors and insulators. Finally we learn about switches so that we can build our own flashlights!! We visit the Thomas Edison National Historic Site in West Orange, New Jersey. We tour Edison's labs, see his two-story office, and listen to recordings on original Edison phonographs.
Below are interesting websites that will help us explore electricity, magnetism, and great inventors:
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Our final science unit of the year is "The Human Body." We investigate many of the major systems of the human body: skeletal system; muscular system; digestive system; respiratory system; circulatory system; and the nervous system. Many of the activities we do involve experimenting with our own bodies! We also write stories about going inside the body.
Below are interesting websites that will help us explore the human body:
The Heart: An Online Exploration
Human Anatomy On-line
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OceanLink
Bob's Rock Shop
Live from Mars - an online project
The National Inventors Hall of Fame