What do crickets eat??

This week in science, we have been designing an experiment to answer the question, "What do crickets eat?"  Several cricket food choices (ham, chicken nugget, banana and apple) were brought into class.  Together, we decided how to build the experiement (one cricket per container, all four choices of food in the container... one in each corner, etc.).  We discussed the scientific "variables" and how to best control the experiment to limit these variables.  Then we set up the containers and added crickets! The pictures below show our initial observations on day one.  This has been hard work!  Several students knew (from background knowledge) that crickets should be "herbivores".  But... some of the crickets went to the chicken nugget!  Why?  What's causing that odd result?  More observation and research to follow...!

Leaf Observations...

As we enter our study of "food webs and chains", we began with observation.  As we will be observing both crickets and anole lizards during this study, it was important to review how scientists observe things and when possible note changes.  After collecting some leaves from outside, the children were all given ONE leaf to observe... very closely!  They had to note as much as they could, including color, measurements and unique features.  (This was all last week).  That was tough... but today was the REAL challenge!  Working in pairs, partners had to sift through different leaves (including many "red herrings") to find their PARTNER'S leaf... using THEIR notes... and they did very well!  Check out some pictures from our work!

New colorful friends!

Look what's arrived in our class!  Click on the picture for a bigger one!  (more information to come...)

Friday Book Buddies...

Each Friday, our class visits the preschool for about twenty minutes to read.  Each child in our class has a "buddy"... and our students plan during the week what books they want to bring to the preschool.  It's a short walk!  (The preschool is right in our hallway!)  In class, we discuss how to work with younger children... since this is really our student's first experience as the "older" buddy.  We discuss book selection, how to read, when to stop and ask questions, etc.  Our class has been EXCELLENT older buddies!  They are responsible, respectful and darn good readers!  Here are some pictures to share...

First Big Backyard this week!

This week we had our first "Big Backyard" walk.  A key component to our science curriculum, Harrington students in every grade take several walks around the school each year to search and examine the natural world.  Special thanks to Mrs. C., Mrs. K., Mrs. L., Mrs. B., and Mrs. M. for leading the groups.  Check out the HUGE garden spider we all saw!  What does your child remember about their walk?

Welcome to 3 K/M!

Welcome to the 2012-2013 edition of 3 K/M news!  This is our official blog that will keep all of our 3 K/M families up to date on what's happening in our class.  We are a wonderful group of third grade learners here at the Harrington School!