Welcome Back!

     As we get ready to say goodbye to summer, I look forward to another "sciencesational" year with my super scientists.    Both Pre-K classes will be having Science this year.  As kindergarten scientists are using their "detective" skills to collect clues, first grade scientists are going on a treasure hunt to gather recyclable objects for our treasure box collections.    Grade 2 scientists will be recording observations and learning how to collect data and draw conclusions.  Grade 3 chemists will be creating "top secret" formulas, while fourth grade ecologists begin a unit on animal studies.  Grade 5 chemists will be concocting mysterious mixtures and solutions and working on spectacular lab experiments.  We say hello to Autumn on September 22nd with some "cool" fall activities.  Please feel free to contact me, if you have any questions or concerns.  I can't wait to work with you and your child during this upcoming school year.

Great websites for kids

http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/index.html

http://www.funology.com/

http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/

Cool Places to Visit for Free

Hall of Science     Free Fridays 2-5pm and Sundays 10-11am

Staten Island Zoo     Free Wednesdays after 2 pm

Queens Botanical Garden     Free Wednesdays 3-6 pm and Sundays 4-6 pm

Quote of the Month: “If you can dream it, you can do it.”  (Walt Disney)

Joke of the Month:  What did the volcano say to his wife?  / I lava you so much!!!  

As spring continues and we hope for warmer weather, our scientists have been involved in several activities to help the Earth and go green.  Grades 3 and 5 did a fabulous job on their Earth Day Projects.    Some of their creative ideas were building birdhouses and bird feeders, cleaning up city parks and neighborhoods, planting trees and flowers, bake sales to raise money for St. Jude's Children Hospital, and clothing drives.  I am so proud of their enthusiasm and great spirit.  They made a big difference in the world around them and were an inspiration to others.

Pre-K scientists are learning about ocean life.  Kindergarten students are studying life cycles.  Grade 1 is working on an exciting unit creating scientific toys to learn about balance and motion.  Grade 2 is starting a unit on air and weather.  Each week one of them will be our guest meteorologist.  Grade 3 i continuing to work on electricity.  Grade 4 is preparing for the Citywide Science Test.  Parents please make sure that your children review and study each day.  Grade 5 inventors are working on their entries for the upcoming Invention Convention.  Good luck to all!!!

Upcoming Events
Grade 4 Citywide Science Test
  Performance Test begins May 25th
  Written Test on Monday, June 6th

Grade Invention Convention
  May 24th at 6 p.m.

As we patiently await the arrival of Spring on March 20, our scientists have been busy at work.  Pre-K scientists are learning about dental care.  Kindergarten is finishing up a unit on the Five Senses.  Grade 1 is learning measurement and will begin a new unit on constructing scientific toys in order to learn about balance and motion.  Grade 2 is finishing up a unit on cohesion and will be learning about matter.  Grade 3 is working on Light and Shadow and will be starting Electricity.  Grade 4 is continuing to work hard on preparing for their upcoming test in May.  Grade 5 is learning how to conduct scientific research.  Hope that you and your family have a great St. Patrick’s Day and Happy Easter.  Don’t forget, “Spring forward, fall back.”   Daylight savings time is early this year – March 13.

February Science

As the winter continues, we will be doing some more fun winter activities.  Kindergarten scientists are beginning a new unit on the Five Senses.  First graders have just finished a class book on winter and will be learning how to use different scientific tools to make observations.  Second graders are continuing their study on seasonal changes and will be working on experimenting with liquids.  Grade 3 is finishing up a unit on Magnetism and will be journeying into a unit on Light and Shadow.  Grade 4 scientists are continuing to prepare for the Citywide Science Test.  Grade 5 students will be finishing up chemistry with chemical reactions.

Great News!!  We were able to adopt two blue whales!!!

Hope that you have a great Mid-Winter break!  Keep out of the cold by visiting one of New York's great museums like The Museum of Natural History or the Hall of Science.  

December science

As winter approaches, our scientists will begin to observe winter seasonal changes.  Pre-K scientists will be studying ocean animals.  Kindergarten scientists will continue animal studies and will focus on animal adaptations to the winter environment.  1st grade students will begin learning about the properties of matter.  Grade 2 students are learning about the properties of liquids through experimentation.  Grade 3 scientists are starting a unit on physical science and will be studying magnetism.  Grade 4 scientists are finishing up animal adaptations. They are beginning to work on test review packets for homework in preparation for the Citywide Science Test.  Grade 5 chemists are working on saturated solutions and chemical reactions.  They will be conducting “mock” interviews of famous scientists and inventors.

I would like to wish you and your family a joyous holiday season!  Have a wonderful holiday break!

November Science

  Science

   As we wrap up our Fall activities, Pre-K is learning about dental hygiene and how to keep their bodies healthy.  Kindergarten is beginning a unit on animal studies.  Grade 1 will be classifying objects using the properties of magnetism and buoyancy.  Grade 2 scientists will be conducting experiments in order to identify the properties of liquids.  Grade 3 will be starting a unit on magnetism.  Fourth graders will be working on some projects on animal habitats.  Grade 5 scientists are learning how to create chemical solutions and how to prepare their own slides and use the microscope to observe scientific specimens. 

Don't Forget…. We are still collecting coins to help save the endangered blue whale.

Hope that you and your family have a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Upcoming Events

New York Botanical Gardens           Holiday Train Show - November 21- January 18

October Science

As we usher in the fabulous Fall season, our Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade scientists will be working on a variety of Autumn activities which will include nature walks to investigate seasonal changes.  Pre-K scientists are working on an introduction to animals.  Grade 3 chemists are busy concocting secret formulas.  Grade 4 scientists are continuing to work on animal studies and are presently working on an animal family project.  Since October is National Fire Prevention month, Grade 5 is learning about fire safety and prevention and working on a fire safety project.  

Please speak to all of your children about the importance of fire safety and what to do in case there's a fire and practice an escape plan with them.    

In the upcoming weeks, our P.S. 172 conservationists will be helping to save endangered animals by collecting coins to help preserve the magnificent blue whale.  Enjoy the beautiful colors of Fall and have a "spooktacular" Halloween!

Cool Fall Events

Queens County Farm Museum   Children's Fall Festival - Sunday, October 25

Bronx Zoo   Boo at the Zoo

Healthy Halloween Alternatives

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/

http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/menus/10-healthy-halloween-treats.htm