For the Birds

In grade 3 we are learning about birds and their adaptations. We played a game in one lesson where we had different tools that simulated beak shapes. Students had to gather food. They found that some beaks were well suited to different foods. Some of their poor birds starved. 

This beak worked well for "nectar". 

This didn't work for nectar. 

Filter feeder

Worm eater

"I can't get any nectar with this beak!"

Nectar beak comparison. 

We did some bird watching in the park to learn about some local birds. You can go to www.fågelsång.se to listen to local birds. 

 We also did an exercise about camouflage where different colors of fabric simulated animal coloring and habitat. Can you spot the fabric scraps that are camouflaged?

Electromagnets

Students in grade 6 made electromagnets. They chose a variable such as voltage, number of wraps or wire type. They measured how many nails they could pick up. They really showed progress in their investigation planning and analyzing skills. 

This was a super electromagnet with 600 wraps. We will use this one later this week to make an electromagnetic bell. Next week we will try to make a speaker.