We have had a busy week of botany experiments, research presentations, collaborative work, and fun!

In their work with the Vital Functions of Plants, Upper El students completed five different science experiments. For the five experiments, each student sketched a diagram of the experiment, described the process in their collection of data, and formed a hypothesis about the outcome of each experiment and their opinion of why the outcome was what it was.

In their work, they learned that plants have a sense for water, growing toward it and reaching out, knowing which way to go. They discovered that roots will push through, around, and over rocks, sidewalks, and driveways, and when pushing through isn’t possible, roots find other ways to get water, forming root hairs. These root hairs are so small they can grow between tiny particles of soil, absorbing the thin film of water that surrounds each grain. They then compared roots that form in water and roots that form root hairs. Students tested the acidity of the root hairs and learned that the root hairs change the chemistry of the soil, making it acidic and helping to break up rocks and absorb more nutrients. In our next set of lessons, students are learning about circulation and the upward flow of water in plants. The first of these lessons focused on root pressure and the theory that liquids are pushed up the plant’s stem and pumped up from below. We will finish this set of lessons and experiments next week.

We are happy to share that ALL Upper El students will attend our big trip to Nature’s Classroom from May 24 through 26. The final cost of this trip, including the bus, is $398. 

I leave you with this thought for Mother’s Day weekend. “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” -Agatha Christie

Wishing you a weekend filled with love,
Karen and Angie

This week in Upper Elementary, we focused on our study of plants and their vital functions and worked on finishing up informative writing pieces.

Our botany work helps students develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world. Our study of the vital functions of plants will include an examination of the various parts of a plant and their functions. Students will learn about the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants and how each of these parts contributes to the plant’s overall health and well-being. They will also learn about photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration processes and how these processes are vital to a plant’s survival.

As students learn about these vital functions, they will conduct experiments to observe how plants respond to different environmental factors. Topics we will investigate include how much light a plant needs to grow, how much water it requires, or how different soil types affect its growth. Students will record their observations and data in a scientific notebook, which will help them develop their skills in observation, recording data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. This week’s lessons focused on the work of the roots. Our experiments examined roots growing toward water, root hairs and their acidity, and roots forming in water.

We have also been finishing up our unit on informative writing this week. Students are writing their final drafts, and those who chose to present to the class are preparing their slide presentations. Throughout this process, they have developed their research and writing skills while building their knowledge base on various topics.

A big highlight of the week for Upper Elementary was an impromptu music class! When we learned that Ms. Rebecca, our music teacher, would be out this week, one of our fifth graders volunteered to lead the music class. She spent half an hour rehearsing the piano accompaniment and then led us in song so we could practice the three pieces Upper El is working on.

We wish you a beautiful weekend,
Karen and Angie