Science

In first grade, we have explored different habitats around Orchard School and talked about what both animals and plants need to survive. To aid in these discussions we conducted a study of the soil temperature and moisture content of the archery range, the willows, the flower bed by the gym and the redwood tree using a simple soil probe. We found a wide range of moisture and soil temperatures which we practiced graphing. 

Then, we focused on plants and their features. We had a scavenger hunt to find leaves of different colors with many different kinds of edges, used mortar and pestles to mash the leaves and made paintings with the pigment. We have set up an experiment to prove that plants need both water and sun to survive (students were a bit sad to realize that some of our seeds would get neither water nor sun). Many students choose carrot or tomato seeds which have a germination time of 14-21 days so we will check back in on our seeds as they develop. 

We explored properties of liquids and practiced measuring volume as well as mixing our own playdough (combining solids and liquids to achieve a new substance). There are many excellent recipes on the internet, I choose a no cook version which was: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1/4 cup water (add food coloring to the water for best color mixing), 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Mix together (may need more flour or liquid for best desired consistency). It was very exciting and messy!

Painting with spinach "paint".

Practicing making drops of different liquids.

Mashing leaves to make "paint".

Building a house for the three little pigs. We blew the houses down with the big bad wolf (hairdryer).