Walnut Bend Science Program

At Walnut Bend a science specialist instructs 1st – 5th grade students in a well equipped Science Lab, one or more times each week. The focus is a "hands-on" approach, where students can practice experimental methods individually or in small groups. Investigating, hypothesizing, recording and discussing are just a few skills utilized in this lab. Our outdoor gardens and ponds offer many units of study involving the observation of life cycles, growth & change, and companion gardening. The areas are maintained by students and science teachers.

Students enjoy attending Science Lab each week with each grade level focusing on weekly curriculum as directed by the district. This weeks curriculum for science is as follows:

Science Lab Activities - April 21 - May 2

First Grade (1.4A   1.7A 1.4C) Students will continue to explore, identify, and observe life cycles of  butterflies, beetles, fish, and frogs and plants.

Activity: Students will observe, draw, and discuss animal life cycles.

Vocabulary:   grow      life cycle     metamorphosis             pupa     adult    change   larva

Tools: science notebook, hand lens

Second Grade (2.9B) Students will continue to observe and identify characteristics among organisms that allow them to survive and reproduce. (adaptations)

Activity:  Students will observe plants and animals for adaptations.

Vocabulary:     adaptations     habitat     survival

Tools- science notebook   hand lens 

Third Grade (3.5B) Students will  continue to review and discuss the importance  of the Sun to Earth.                    

Activity: Students will work in groups to find and explain examples of how the Sun

has the major role in plant /animal/life cycles, food chains, solar power, water cycles, wind power, fossil fuels.                                 

Vocabulary:  solar energy   alternative   energy source   cycles

Tools- journals

Fourth Grade (4.11C) Students will continue to review the role of the Sun as the major source of energy for the Earth and discuss alternative uses for solar energy. 

Activity: Students will work in groups to find and explain examples of how the Sun has the major role in plant /animal/life cycles, food chains, solar power, water cycles, wind power, fossil fuels.                            

Vocabulary:  solar energy   alternative   energy source   cycles

Tools- journals

Fifth Grade Students will review TEKS objectives in preparation for the TAKS.

Daily: Students will review vocabulary with I say- You say

     4/21   Mon :   Review Nature of Science Obj. / Experimental  Design

     4/22   Tues:    Earth Day Bio Towers

     4/23   Wed:    Review Physical Science Obj.

     4/24   Thurs:  Review Life Science Obj.

     4/25   Fri: Review  Earth Science Obj:

     4/28   Mon:   Review Earth Science Obj.

     4/29   Tues:   Review Earth Science Ob

     4/30    Wed:   Physical / Life / Earth Science    Quizdom  Marathon

Meet some of our lab animals: Bunnicula, acquired by one of Mrs. Joachim's 3rd grade classes after reading the story Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe; Max, our Ball Python; Snapper, a musk turtle who was rescued by an eager student; and Harry, our resident Tarantula. Students learn to take care of these animals and many others throughout the school year.

A Science Club will be offered this coming year for 3 – 5 grade students. Activities will reflect student interests in the different areas of science.

Science Vocabulary Words of the Week
Vocabulary reflects weekly science curriculum objectives. They are discussed and posted on WBN daily and reviewed on Friday.

Science Sites for Kids
Discovery Kids http://kids.discovery.com/
Houston Zoo  http://www.houstonzoo.org/
National Geographic for Kids http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/index.html
Houston Museum of Natural Science http://www.hmns.org/
Texas Parks & Wildlife http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/kids/