5.L.1.1 - Recess = Science

5.L.1.1 Explain why some organisms are capable of surviving as a single cell while others require many cells that are specialized to survive. 

What will you find in some pond water? Pond critters of course.

We had already completed an initial lesson in the classroom.  I had scooped a bucket of pond water from my neighborhood and we examined the unicellular and multicellular life of the pond. In fact, this lesson was taught almost two months ago but then we had some signs of spring.  The rains came and with it, outdoor recess became a festival of science!  My kiddos found a puddle and were completely enthralled with the life of a puddle.  They begged me to bring out the microscopes and slides for RECESS!!

Of course, being the teacher who wants to make the kids happy, I gave them exactly what they wanted.  Combined with a little mobile technology and we were identifying the organisms in the puddle in no time.  We found that one of the most common organisms was the red fly larvae.  Perhaps the most exciting moment for the group was when two different organisms were sucked up into the pipette at the same time and a real live food chain took place!  You might have already guessed it.  We witnessed the predator/prey relationship.  Talk about exciting!

 

Red fly larvae
 Here are some tips and ideas for you to try...

How to make a wet mount slide using file folders and tape, plus a student worksheet for observing pond life.
http://www.apte.com/downloads/ScienceBook_Chapter8.pdf

Pond Life Identification Kit

Interactive Virtual Pond Dip

Pond Water: a closer look




Comments

  1. Heather Kaiser, EdD.April 6, 2013 at 12:25 AM

    The funniest moment was when a student managed to focus the microscope so well that the red fly larvae moving around appeared like a monster and nearly made the student scream! The head of this organism really is kind of scary looking under a microscope. LoL

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mrs. Harris TeachesJune 19, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    Your class looks like so much fun! What an authentic science experience for your students.....

    Thanks for linking up! Don't forget to add the button and inlinkz collection to a post on your blog to increase your traffic too :)! (It is number 1 and number two in the directions at http://www.mrsharristeaches.com/2013/06/science-teacher-blog-hop/.

    Thanks again!
    Jessica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heather Kaiser, EdD.June 20, 2013 at 9:28 AM

      Thanks for stopping by Jessica. I have added the button but the inlinkz code wasn't showing up when I clicked on your link so I just directed viewers back to your post instead. Great idea and glad to have the opportunity to connect with other science teacher bloggers.

      Delete
  3. Wendy PJune 19, 2013 at 6:14 PM

    What an awesome activity. Don't you love when your class does not even want to stop learning even for recess! I am your newest follower.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Heather Kaiser, EdD.June 20, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    Thanks for following Wendy! Yes. It is awesome when they are having so much fun learning that they will trade in their "free time" by choosing the learning as their free time activity! That is when you know as a teacher that you have "nailed it"!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Christy McGuireJune 25, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    It looks like you are really teaching the spirit as well as the practice of science. I am looking forward to reading more of your posts!

    ReplyDelete

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