Science and Technology

March-April 2008

Scientifically Speaking…

Did you know that…

• termites live in tall towers made of dirt and their own spit?
• all living things carry out the same basic life functions?
• plateaus, plains, valleys, and hills are all different kinds of landforms?
• plant cells and animal cells have almost all the same parts?

These are just some of the things we've been learning about in science so far this year. Each of the classes has visited and worked in the science lab studying such topics as living and non-living things in the community, plants and seeds, landforms and earth's resources, and genetics. The kindergarten students can tell you the colors of the rainbow, the first and second graders can tell you what transpiration is, third and fourth graders can explain how and why a volcano works, and the sixth graders can tell you all about DNA. Of course, these are just building blocks leading to the culmination of our science year – the annual Science Fair.

If you have any ideas, questions, or concerns about our science program, please feel free to let me know.

Technologically Speaking…

The children are doing exceedingly well in the world of technology. All the grades spend at least one class period per week in the computer lab. Grades one through four work on keyboarding exercises each week, as well as other grade level assignments. The kindergarten students are becoming more familiar with handling the mouse and working on an art program, Tux Painting. Finally, the sixth graders are focusing on combining their creative writing skills with word processing activities.

NEEDED: New Headphones!! With the addition of five new computers this year, and given normal wear-and-tear of often-used equipment, we are in need of more headphones. If you would like to help with this purchase, please see Lori Snyder, Science/Technology Specialist, or Carrie Allen, Office Manager.