My Young Scientists

"Young Scientists" are the 4th and 5th grade students who are involved in my semi-weekly Science Club. These students can't get enough of the "how and why" of things around them. Their eagerness to understand and experience some of the everyday mysteries makes each meeting energized and special. The students are like puppies, all trying to absorb and analyze simultaneously. It can be fun and exhausting at the same time!
Our focus has been on "Kitchen Science" for the most part. We've examined carbon dioxide, acids and bases, yeast, and how air has weight. We also examined plant structures, and vegetable spoilage. We've planted bedding flowers in the raised beds outside of the school, to encourage bees and butterflies. I have encouraged the students to keep science journals, but have learned that the journals must stay in class, because they are usually forgotten!
There's only a fe weeks left to the school year. I know we will be planting our "hallway planter" next time. The planter is a repurposed cabinet base and a discarded sink. A drainage bucket is be placed beneath the sink to catch overflow and general spillage. The plants will all be in small pots, and be tolerant of bright sunlight, so they will thrive in the bright lights of the corner hallway. Hand tools and other supplies will be kept underneath, and a lock to prevent anything from walking away. Most of th supplies are from mini-grant from Philadelphia Horticultural Society (Thank you!). I'm hoping the plants will survve the summer in the homes of the students who care for them here. Next year, who knows?