Science Lab News

Science Fair!

Science Fair will take place April 2nd-April 5th in the MUR.  Download the appropriate handbook today!

2012 Science Fair Handbook for Grades K-5.pdf

2012 Science Fair Handbook for Grade 6.pdf

What is happening in the lab?

Grade 6

In the first two months of school, the students in sixth grade conducted controlled experiments with pinto beans and Wisconsin Fast Plants, grew rock candy, and made paper models of crystals.  Afterward, they identified rocks and minerals, and built earthquake-resistant structures from straws.

Grade 5

Students in fifth grade used microscopes to view plant cells, animal cells, and plant tissues.  They also used their knowledge of osmosis to solve the mystery of what happened to Mrs. Minarik’s lunch.  Next, the students studied several human body systems.  They examined fresh beef and lamb hearts, built lung models, and measured the length of their intestines using toilet paper! Fifth Graders are now exploring chemistry.

Grade 4

Fourth Graders started the year exploring ecosystems.  After designing controlled experiments with mealworms, they built bottle ecosystems that contained a variety of plants and animals.  Afterward, they completed a two-day owl pellet dissection!  The students started their study of geology by taking core samples of “unknown objects” aka marble cupcakes.  They also experienced the entire rock cycle in one lab period using crayon shavings.

Grade 3

In November, the students built and used models to demonstrate important solar system concepts.  In December while studying life science, they built 3D lagoons, simulated eating with different bird beaks, and identified adaptations in bird specimens borrowed from the Natural History Museum.

Grade 2

When studying forces and motion, students conducted experiments with toy cars and ramps.  Afterward, they created levers and discovered ways to lift heavy loads.  Next, the students continued their exploration of force with a two-day lab on magnetism.

Grade 1

During their first two lab days, students studied matter and weather.  They explored the properties of air using syringes, watched air pressure push “Mr. Eggle” into a bottle, and experimented with water temperature.  During their next two visits to the lab, the students learned about matter when making marshmallow models of water molecules, identifying the properties of “ooblek,” and making density tubes.  Note:  “Ooblek is made by mixing cornstarch with water and green food coloring. 

Grade K

In November, the students explored the properties of magnets.  They discovered that magnets have poles and magnetic fields.