Spring Saturday SAVY, Week 1, Animal Connections (1st-2nd)
Greetings!
We had such a fabulous and intense learning day on Saturday! We started learning what scientists are and what they do, and then we conducted science experiments to learn about the scientific process! We tested whether salt and sand dissolve in water, and we even saw how sand is just made of small rocks, shells, etc. by looking at microscopic pictures of sand samples. Then, we added a rock and a stick to determine if they dissolved in water. We brainstormed why the salt dissolves slowly, and after watching the sand’s density pull it to the bottom of the cup, we poured our salt water in to observe our own small sea creation to see how it changed throughout the day.
Next, we investigated plants and their adaptations, life cycle, parts of plants, and how some plants adapt using color or UV patterns to attract pollinators. We also looked at carnivorous adaptations and even investigated a sea slug that looks like a plant and uses photosynthesis! It is so cute! We observed two different types of plants and looked at how wax covers their leaves to protect them and keep water in them. We also discussed how some plants have thorns for defense. We started looking at how those adaptations impact the animals that want to consume them. For example, did you know that giraffes have an antibiotic in their saliva that prevents the cuts they receive from thorns as they eat leaves from getting infected?
Toward the end of the day, we chose different habitats. Students took all the ideas and discussions from the day to create a plant that would survive in their habitat. They had to decide on size, adaptations, leaves, survival mechanisms, and more.
Next week, we will focus on animals and how they impact and are impacted by their environment and discover some unusual adaptations that animals have developed to survive in their habitats. We are also going to look at the impact of humans on all of these. It will be great!
Have a great week, and I can’t wait to see your child next Saturday. They are a great group!
Dr. Mall