Science

In science this month, our class continued our study of weather. Student lab teams worked collaboratively to construct the instruments needed to create weather stations. Teams have been using these instruments to track, record, and predict the weather.  

Measuring wind speed with an Anemometer.

Measuring wind direction and temperature.

Using a barometer to measure air pressure (high pressure means “happy” weather and low pressure indicates ”lousy” weather).

In anticipation of our field studies trip to Elkhorn Slough, our class read a book about how the presence of otters helps the slough stay healthy.  At home you can ask your child to explain to you how the otters help the seagrass in Elkhorn Slough.

Students also colored a map of the slough and created posters to familiarize themselves with this unique wetland, and some of the plants and animals that call it home.

With naturalists from Camp SeaLab, the students kayaked through the Slough in the morning, observing and learning about many of the organisms that live there.  In the afternoon, our class participated in an otter behavior study, examined animal pelts, and learned how different bird beaks are designed to eat different types of food. A special thank you to Jon, Violet’s dad, for taking the kayaking photos!

Our class was also visited by an Oceanographer from UCSC, who gave a very interesting presentation that included the different ways scientists study the oceans, and also some actions we can take as individuals to help preserve them.