It's Just Dirt...

Have you heard your children talking about recycling, our composter, or lizards?  These are things we talk about and observe pretty much on a daily basis at HO4K.  Lately we've been learning about the science of plant life and the need for water, soil, sun, and air. We've been sorting different types of soil.

SCIENCE
N.PK.3 Use tools safely to observe and explore different objects/environments.
E.PK.4 Identify and sort different natural objects (rocks, soils, etc.)
L.PK.5 Identify the basic need for air, water, and food.
L.PK.4 Use the five senses to explore and investigate the natural world.
L.2.C.1 Students know plants and animals need certain resources for energy and growth.
L.2.D.1 Students know plants and animals can be sorted by observable characteristics and behaviors.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

6.PK.2 Demonstrate the muscle strength, dexterity, and control needed to manipulate items (scissors, writing utensil, paint brushes, play dough, buttons/snaps, etc.)

6.PK.3 Use fingered or tripod grasp with drawing, paint or writing instruments.

At this point the compost is in the "baking" process. This student is observing a shovel full that was dumped under the composter. We have learned:
1- plastic spoons and craft sticks have not changed or decomposed
2- food does; some slower than others
3- paper does; slower than some food
4- there are worms in it that help the process
5- lizards and birds like the worms
6- we like watching the lizards and birds
7- 4 lizards have set up their habitat under the composter and are getting very brave near us when we observe them calm and quiet

The students have loved watching the lizards in their habitats!
SCIENCE
L.PK.2 Explore and identify a variety of animals and plants.
L.PK.6 Identify animals and their homes.
L.2.C.2 Students know a habitat includes food, water, shelter, and space.
L.PK.8 Observe living and non-living things on Earth.