Have students write what they found about one leaf and take or draw a picture of the leaf before the color change occurs. Then put all the artifacts in a scrap book for the class library.
Observing leaves as they change color. The filters are used to transfer the colors of the leaves. Tape off part of the leaf and watch as light makes it change color like they do in the fall.
Students can plant all different types of plants. This project could be used for older students who are learning more details about plants or who are trying to do experiments on what makes plants grow best.
ELL and special needs students could help by planting the seeds in the box when first constructing the garden. Advanced students could draw and label the parts of the plants that were planted.
Extensions: Connect Life Science with LA - Write predictions and observations in an Ant Observation Journal.
Adaptations: ESL & Special Ed Students can draw pictures in their journal to show their knowledge. A movie on the topic could be provided to extend knowledge after journals are complete to assess accuracy of predictions. Gifted students can predict what the ants will need for their habitat/survival.
Make Your Own Ant Farm: - Life Science
After completion of ant farm, spend days or weeks observing these amazing insects.
Supplies: Small glass bowl or jar, glass fishbowl, sand, loose soil, sugar, water, 20 ants (from the same colony), rubber band, cheesecloth, black construction paper, bread crumbs, masking tape, and spiral notebook.
K-3 could do this project, but require more research, writing, or drawings of the project about habitat, colony structure, body-parts and function, etc.
SC.3.3 2000 - The Physical SettingStudents observe changes of the Earth and sky. They continue to explore the concepts of energy and motion.SC.3.3.1 2000Observe and describe the apparent motion of the sun and moon over a time span of one day.
This activity has the ability to show students why and how the phases of the moon really work. Not a lot of prep time and materials needed.Great for students to see a model of what is happening during the phases of the moon.
Have students research idea and make plans for thier cars before they begin production. They will be testing a hypothesis as opposed to just using the trial and error process.
Favorite project growing up! Insturctions and ideas for mouse trap car models. Have students design on own, then come up with a "team" plan through cooperative learning.
If I were to do this activity I would instead give the students a set of materials that they can use and have groups compete to use the same materials to design the best marshmallow launcher. Before beginning, talk to students about strategies for solving this type of problem, such as sketching a plan of the design.
Student who are ready can learn to read a thermometer or a barometer as well as a part of this activity. Make sure to encourage careful record keeping and not accurate predictions. Students should be made aware that one does not "win" science by making correct predictions.
Increase the critical thinking skills needed for this activity and connect it to ELA standards by requiring students to write why a hovercraft would or would not be an effective form of mass transportation based on their design experiences.
I like this activity because it works well for a wide variety of students. For students who are easily overwhelmed reduce the number of scents to match. High level students could be asked to come up with an idea for another experiment like this one but for a different sense. Consider allergies when you plan this activity!
1.3.3 "Observe and explain that plants and animals have basic needs for growth and survival: plants need to take in water and need light, and animals need to take in water and food and have a way to dispose of waste."
This activity can be modified for ELL students by having them strictly draw pictures of their observations, rather than writing words to describe their observations. This can also be adjusted for older grades, by having them grow several different types of flowers, or by using different fertilizers to help the flowers grow. The students can then compare their effects of the different fertilizers on the same flowers.
Students can grow narcissus bulbs in the classroom, or at home! The students can then make observations or draw pictures about how the flower looks each day. Draw conclusions once the flowers are fully bloomed about how they grew!