Jean K. Bakos 763.441.5024 http://edsupport.tk jkbakos@ties2.net
19718 Tyler Street NW Elk River, MN 55330
May 7, 2008
Re: Science Activities for May/June
Dear Families,
Listed with this email is a brief summary of new science activities that will be starting up shortly. We have made several adjustments to the schedule to try and accommodate some of the new families that we've met. Please take a few moments to review the enclosed information and call as soon as possible to register your child for one of these opportunities, to get additional information, or to make a specific request. Sometimes we have had families share scheduling conflicts. We are often able to rectify scheduling/time conflicts when families contact us early enough. Please do not hesitate to let us know about your interests or special needs. We are unable to make modifications if we are unaware of your specific needs or interests.
We are also offering a special for new families. When you register your child(ren) for one of these sessions, we will provide you with a 20% discount.
Thank you for your interest and support.
Jean Bakos
Educational Support Services
- Providing resources and instruction to support your personal educational choices
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Flowers, Plants & Trees ..............$65.00
Monday, May 19 AND June 2 & 9
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Grades 2 - 5
In this unit students will have the opportunity to explore plants. We will start by discussing the world of plants and then each student will assemble a leaf/flower press. Student will: gather leaves, identify various species of trees, look at and identify various kinds of seeds, gather flowers and observe pollen under the microscope, compare flowers and their structure, examine roots, stems and leaf arrangements, and then consider the parts of a tree and how it grows. We will also take a little bit of time to explore chromatography.
Electrical Connections I ............$60.00
Tuesday, May 20 & 27 AND June 3 & 10
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Grades 2 - 4
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Grades 4 - 8
Students will explore, diagram and create series and parallel circuits. They will experiment with wiring batteries and bulbs in series and in parallel to determine when will the bulbs create the most light and when they will require the most energy. They will also install switches, work with resistance and making a simple bulb and motor.
Owl Pellets & Predator/Prey ………$45.00
Wednesdays, May 14, 21 & 28
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Grades 2 - 5
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Grades 5 - 8
In this unit students will start by dissecting owl pellets to determine the diet of an owl. They will use this information to develop a food chain and then explore food webs. They will use terms to identify predators, prey, herbivores, omnivores, carnivores and insectivores. (Many students think that an owl pellet is the feces from the owl. It is, in fact, the indigestible remains of their prey.) Students will explore the relationship between predator and prey and determine how each of these animals fit into an ecosystem. Activities will include a game that models the rise and fall of populations as predators increase or decrease.
Orienteering ............$45.00
Wednesday, June 4 & 11
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Grades 4 - 8
This is a unit that all students seem to enjoy. Using a compass, reading maps, and finding and giving directions from where you are to where you want to be. Students will learn how to make their own make-shift compass, use a real compass, follow directions to locate a particular site, and then develop a trail of their own for someone else to follow. Students will go on to explore how compasses are used in a method called "triangulation" to locate their position. This was particularly useful on Lake Superior during a storm. Each student will get to keep the compass that they use for class when the unit is complete.
