More science

I hope you didn't struggle too much with the science sheet. It was meant to cause the student to think about "what if..." We are talking about it in class today also. They will not be graded on these until they are more comfortable doing them.

The next science assignment is to build two weather instruments and keep track of the measurements for 10 days. After that, we will be putting the information on a graph. Directions for instruments will be coming home in the Tuesday folder along with a link for a website that tells how to make them. After the 10 days are up, I will show them how to turn the information into a graph. There is enough time to fit in 10 days if you want to wait until the weekend to make the instruments, but rain is predicted on Wed. or Thurs. so you might want to get the rain gauge done ASAP. In last year's class, out of those who made a rain gauge, only one student actually timed it right to get some rain. This year I am requiring two instruments so that there will be some information to graph even if it doesn't rain. The student must make a rain gauge, and they also need to make an anemometer (which is easier to make than it is to say) OR a wind vane. The directions for making these are quite simple, but the supplies you use do not necessarily have to be exactly what the directions say. You may make substitutions as long as the instrument still works. And if anyone finds easier or better directions somewhere other than what I give you, please share them with me. Most kids enjoy doing these. If you want to know how to turn it into a science fair project, just ask.

The test for this unit will be September 30. All projects need to be completed and turned in no later than October 1. I'd like all the students to bring in their weather instruments that day so we can try them out at school. In order to have time to keep records and make a graph and turn it all in by October 1, the latest date on which you could make these instruments would be about September 19, so please plan accordingly.

Our science book has online activities your child can do also, including practicing vocabulary words. We have done some in class. I hope to include the link for that also, as soon as I learn how.

Here's hoping you all have a great time watching and keeping track of the weather!