By IGDVS Staff

As the days grow warmer and nature begins to bloom, our elementary school students investigate the wonders of spring with a series of exciting science projects. From exploring the microcosms within their school garden to cultivating tiny greenhouses and constructing terrariums, these young scientists are getting hands-on with the natural world. 

Ecosystem Exploration

Armed with a 3-meter jump rope, the students laid it down in the school garden, embarking on an exploration of the tiny ecosystem within its boundaries. Applying their scientific knowledge and skills, they discovered the incredible diversity of life in the elementary school garden. The students identified various plant species, insects, and other living creatures, including beetles, ants, earwigs, earthworms, crickets, and slugs. Plant species found included catnip, lemon balm, dicots, and various weeds. The students were amazed at how healthy and diverse their school garden was.

Tiny Gardens

The Tiny Gardening kits were a hit with the students! Each kit contained a miniature greenhouse, pots, test tubes, a small hand shovel, a tiny hand fork, and little beakers. These kits perfectly complemented our budding botanists’ lessons on plant and animal life cycles. Working in groups, the students assembled the greenhouses, followed the step-by-step instructions, and planted the seeds of their choice. Some planted marigolds and asters, while others chose vegetables. They took turns watering and caring for the plants each day, eagerly anticipating science class to see if their plants had sprouted.

Terrariums

Continuing with the theme of ecosystems and spring weather, the students built an anemometer to track temperature and wind speed on a spring day. They also continued exploring plant growth by constructing their own terrariums from plastic bottles. Using materials found around the school, they built natural terrariums with rocks as the base layer, moss as the second layer, dirt as the third layer, and gardening soil as the final layer. Each group chose seeds to plant, including marigolds, basil, and pumpkins. After two weeks of diligent care, the sprouts were gradually getting bigger.

Insect Life Cycle

“Hatch a Butterfly” may not seem like the conventional way to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly, but our young scientists learned to record data over several days by observing changes in the chrysalis submerged in a test tube of room-temperature water. After 72 hours, a butterfly emerged, made from a rubbery material. The curious students squeezed the rubbery substance and questioned what the butterfly was made of. They discovered a slimy, cloudy gel-like substance on the butterfly and wondered about its composition. After some research, they learned it was a superabsorbent polymer, also found in diapers, that soaks up water. This polymer causes the butterfly to grow and expand, making it a popular scientific experiment for students.

Through these engaging and hands-on science lessons, our students have not only deepened their understanding of ecosystems and life cycles but have also developed a greater appreciation for the natural world around them. The joy of discovering diverse plant species in the school garden, the excitement of nurturing tiny plants in their greenhouses, the creativity of building terrariums from everyday materials, and the curiosity sparked by observing the life cycle of a butterfly have all contributed to a vibrant and enriching learning experience. These young scientists are well on their way to becoming thoughtful, knowledgeable stewards of the environment. We look forward to seeing how their curiosity and passion for science will continue to grow!