The Earth's Layers

Students in Grade 3 learned about the multiple layers of the Earth. They are, in order from the exterior to the interior - the crust, the mantle, the outer core and the inner core. These four layers all play a part in making our world work. The crust is the thin, outer layer of the Earth where we live. The next layer is the mantle which consists of very hot and dense rock and is much thicker than the crust. The Earth's outer core is made up of iron and nickel and is very hot. The inner core is the very center and hottest part of the Earth.

Students created a 3D model of the Earth by making a planet out of Play-Doh. When they were done creating the different layers, each student cut their Earth in half to reveal it in cross-section. Students used toothpicks and a label to identify each layer.

Build an Igloo

 This STEM challenge was to build a model of an igloo. We started off talking about snow-covered areas like Alaska, parts of Canada and even northern parts of the United States. Then we discussed what igloos are made of and watched a video online about how they are built. Students used a lab sheet to sketch a plan before beginning. Then
they used paper plates, cotton balls, paper towel rolls and glue to build a circular based, dome shaped igloo with a door opening.  Everyone was successful and had fun building an igloo with their materials.

Animal Adaptations

Students in Grade 3 learned how adaptations allow organisms to survive in certain environments. This activity allowed students to model and explore the way in which fat helps insulate an animal from a cold environment. We used vegetable fat (shortening) to model an animal's layer of fat and a cup of ice water in this experiment. Students spread the vegetable fat over one index finger, put it in the ice water and timed how long they could keep their finger submerged. They repeated the process with their other index finger without the fat. Students found that the fat-covered finger was more comfortable longer than the unprotected one. This experiment confirmed the fact that fat can help animals survive in cold environments. 

Grandparents' Day 2020 - Candy Corn STEM Tower Challenge

 

Parent Appreciation Day 2020

Students and parents alike enjoyed the challenge of building a structure to support a tennis ball.

Everyone came up with their own unique design.

We used popsicle sticks, tape, paper plates, and yarn with our STEM challenge.

Another successful Parent Appreciation Day here at St. James!