 | | Refraction at work! |
Mary Romoser, Science Specialist.
I have taught in Minnesota and Wisconsin for over twenty years, both in a classroom and as a science specialist. It is my belief that every child is a unique individual with the capability of growing intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. In order to achieve their highest potential, they need a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow.
Children in science classes follow graduation standards and district Foss curriculum. Students enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, and environmentally focused lessons. We also use the Battle Creek Park area that contains woods, grassy areas and wetlands that provide an outdoor classroom for students. They have the opportunity to examine the ecosystems, observe wildlife, examine plant life, and explore the area. There is an environmental enrichment period at the end of each day, which I team teach with Scott Richards, our physical education teacher.
Some kindergarten activities include:
*observing seasonal changes.
*trees. *wood  | | Hand lenses in action. |
and paper. *fabric.
*experiencing the environment surrounding the school, including the pond, meadow, and wooded areas.
*learning about the various types of defenses that animals use.
*recognizing and describing various animal coverings.
*distinguishing mammals from other species.
*observing, interacting with, and showing a caring attitude toward the other living members of the science lab; the giant tropical millipedes, bird, and fish.
Some first grade activities include:
*air and weather.
*balance and motion. *pebbles, sand and silt.
*sorting objects based on one or more properties.
*displaying and interpreting information in graph form.
*observing, interacting with, and showing a caring attitude toward the other living members of the science lab; the giant tropical millipedes, bird, and fish.
Some second grade activities include:
*solids, liquids and gases.
*reviewing seasonal changes and how they affect the environment and its inhabitants.
*studying the life cycles of insects, plants and animals.
*identifying and explaining the differences between something being an insect, and "not an insect".
*observing, interacting with, and showing a caring attitude toward the other living members of the science lab; the giant tropical millipedes, bird, and fish.
Some third grade activities include:
*physics of sound
*observing and comparing sounds to develop discrimination ability.
*learning that sound originates from a source that is vibrating and is detected at a receiver such as the human ear.
*earth materials
*observing, interacting with, and showing a caring attitude toward the other living members of the science lab; the giant tropical millipedes, bird, and fish.
Some fourth grade activities include:
*observing water and other liquids on different surfaces and in different places.
*experimenting with and observing surface tension and water density.
*observing the expansion and contraction of water as it gains and loses heat.
*using graduated cylinders and syringes in measurement.
*utilizing a model to illustrate a concept.
*identifying  | | Locating the blind spot. |
and explaining the presence or absence of minerals in water.
*magnetism and electricity.
*experimenting with various circuits.
*observing, interacting with, and showing a caring attitude toward the other living members of the science lab; the giant tropical millipedes, bird, and fish.
Some fifth grade activities include:
*understanding how changing variables can effect experiment outcomes.
*perform controlled experiments. *investigate the use of simple machines, such as levers and pulleys.
*observing, interacting with, and showing a caring attitude toward the other living members of the science lab; the giant tropical millipedes, bird, and fish.
Some sixth grade activities include:
*understanding the concept of phenology, keeping a log in class.
*collecting, recording and interpreting data.
*conducting investigations related to solar energy.
*mixtures and solutions.
*observing, interacting with, and showing a caring attitude toward the other living members of the science lab; the giant tropical millipedes, bird, and fish.
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