Thursday, May 4, 2017

Agricultural Engineering and 2nd grade

Second graders learned about pollination while they tested and built hand pollinators.  We read a story about a plant that would not produce its berries and discovered how important insects are to plants.  Then they tested different materials to see which would pick up and drop off "pollen" (baking soda).  After they did that, they designed the best shape and combination of materials for the most successful hand pollinators.  They built and tested their designs.  Some made adjustments after the test to make the pollinator more efficient.  It was really wonderful to watch them discover, build, test, and redesign until they were satisfied.  Here are some photos of the process.




















Monday, April 24, 2017

Science! Big UT came to teach our 3rd and 5th graders!

We had two scientists from big UT visit us to teach the students about bacteria and DNA.  It was really cool!!!  Juan Pedro Maestre and colleagues came during STEAM class to lead the students in an experiment where they were about to discover new concepts relating to bacteria and DNA.  The third grade students took samples and plated them to see what or if they would grow anything.  The fifth graders extracted DNA from strawberries and split peas.  They even got to take a sample home!  It was super special.  Their faces just lit up as they made new discoveries!  We are so thankful that real scientists took time to come and teach our Little Longhorns!



















Friday, April 21, 2017

Aerospace Engineering and 3rd grade

Third graders completed a unit on Aerospace Engineering.  We learned about drag and how to use it to our advantage when designing a parachute.  We tested canopy materials, canopy sizes, and suspension line lengths to find the best way to build a parachute.  Then the students built their own and we had a big final testing day! Here are some photos from the testing.









1st graders learn Google Slides

First graders learned how to log on their Google accounts and work on a slide presentation.  This is similar to PowerPoint.  They completed a presentation titled "All About Me".  They learned how to change the font type, font color, font size, presentation format, and import photos.  Then they presented their project to the class.  If you would like to see their project, you can log on to their Google account from any computer.  Go to google.com and click 'Sign In'.  Their email is first name. first letter of last name @ utexaselementary.org . (no spaces).  Their passwords are mostly kellykid1 or jonesjr1.  A few kids have different passwords.  If they don't remember them, I can email them out.  Here are a few photos of the presentations.






Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Forces with Dr. Bob!

We had the privilege of having Dr. Bob come to our school again to lead a lesson on forces with the kids.  We have been studying the vocabulary words about forces (push, pull, gravity, friction) and learning hand signals to remember them as well.  When Dr. Bob came, we were able to put this learning into action!  The students were able to try out all the forces on ramps with marbles.  Here are some photos of the process.  Thanks to Dr. Bob for coming to our school and sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge!!