Science is in full swing in room 24. We started with a brief overview of matter. Matter is anything that takes up space. There are three different kinds of matter: liquids, solids and gases. Our first grade unit focuses on liquids and solids. The students used their powers of observation {eyes, hands and ears} to observe different solids in a kit. We worked together to create a list of describing words for these items. These are the properties of the solids. Some words that were introduced were: flexible, rigid and transparent. Next, the students worked together in their table groups with one solid. They wrote the properties of their solid on post-its on a poster with the title of their solid.
We put this new found knowledge of the properties of solids to work in the STEM lab. The students took on the roles of engineers, someone who builds something with a purpose for others. The students got quite creative with their materials and the ideas flowed. We had telescopes, bee villages, RVs and musical instruments. How fun!