Science and Engineering Program

Kindergarten

Kindergarten learned about trees. We observed different trees and then went on a leaf hunt. We gathered a bunch of different leaves and compared them. We then took salt dough and made leaf imprints by pushing the leaf into the dough and then gently taking it off. The dough was baked and then they got to color them. We discussed similarities and differences and properties of the dough before and after it was baked.

2nd Grade

The 2nd grade learned about earth materials and properties of earth materials. They tried to solve a problem—animals eating vegetables from my garden. By creating a wall out of earth materials we can keep the animals away from the vegetables. They used rock to make their wall and then they got to create their own mortar. We looked at wet and dry clay, sand, and soil. They got to use their own combination to make their mortar. We then tried to knock it down with a mini wrecking ball and if it fell, we learned that we can improve our design.

3rd Grade

The 3rd grade learned about different types of energy. We learned about solar energy, and the importance of trying to use alternate forms of energy. They learned about other countries that need to cook using solar ovens. They became green engineers and designed solar ovens that use materials that have a minimal impact on the environment. Instead of insulating with foam, that can’t be recycled, they used paper—some even used natural materials that can be returned to the earth, like rocks and sand. We tested them by making s’mores!

4th Grade

The 4th grade studied interactions of animals and plants within an ecosystem. They learned about an invasive species in Australia—the cane toad. They recognized the importance of making sure our ecosystems are balance by creating a humane trap for the cane toads. Some made net traps, box traps, and pen traps. We then took a wind up cane toad and tested out our traps, and if we had to, we improved them.