Little Scientists

Now that 3rd quarter is here we have started science!  Our first unit is about understanding the scientific method.  We discussed the steps of asking a question, forming a hypothesis, carrying out the experiment and making observations, and reporting the final results.

In our first experiment we asked the question, "How can we keep a banana fresher longer?"  We tried three different ways.  We wrapped plastic wrap around one of the stems, another was put in the fridge, and the third was put in a brown paper bag.  Each student made a hypothesis about which banana would remain the freshest, or if it would even make a difference.  We recorded our observations throughout the week.  We found not much difference between the banana with plastic wrap around the stem and the one in the bag.  Ultimately, we decided the banana in the bag was the freshest because the stem looked better.  The banana in the fridge become brown all over and the others were speckled with brown spots.  Once we peeled them, we found that all three of them were very similar.

In our second experiment we asked the question, "Can we grow gummy bears?"  We weighed and measured each gummy bear before putting them in water, sugar water, vinegar water, and lemon water.  Each student made a hypothesis, and we weighed and measured each bear again the next day.  We were amazed to find  just how much the bear in the vinegar water had grown.

Day 1 measuring:

Day 2 measuring and results:

 Within this first week the students are completely hooked on science!  They can't wait for the next unit!