Suri Scientists

This CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) Unit has 1st graders using clues and maps to determine in which Biome their friend Jamie is vacationing. The students start by completing several different maps (maps of biomes, a continent map and a temperature map). Then, they research about the different major biomes. They repeatedly make new predictions about where Jamie is vacationing. They graph their class predictions. They use clues such as artifacts, flight tickets and letters to make these predictio

This packet has students think about the criteria needed for a straw bridge. It then has a budgeted list that details how much different materials cost. This makes the activity realistic because it teaches students about real life and that tools and materials come at a price.

Students will learn how to set up a line graph by using both the independent and dependent variables of an experiment. They will then practice drawing two of their own line graphs.

After learning about Ancient Mesopotamia and their geographic location, students engineered a distilling system to separate out the natural resources they would have encountered. They used a fake budget to create a distillation system for i.e. gold (small pieces), silver, carnelian rocks, copper, seashells, sand, salt, etc. This project incorporated research in regards to mixtures, elements, physical properties and chemical properties. The students were required to research the properties of the

This packet has students pick one plant they want to do a scientific experiment on. The students do some background knowledge on the best conditions for their plants. They then determine how to set up their experiment, i.e. materials and procedure. Then, they go through the rest of the steps where they make observations, collect measurement data and analyze their results. This packet is meant to be used as an outline for the experiment and how scientists conduct experiments.

This project is broken down into three different tasks that will require students to use their fraction, decimal and measurement skills at the same time. The preview page lists the instructions for each separate task and the document also contains a "pantry" list with pictures and measurements, a "fridge" list with pictures and measurements, a Walmart shopping list and a receipt list.

In this project, the students are given the task of building a solar house with set requirements (2 windows, a door, a roof, etc.), with only $30 and with the biggest task being to keep the house "cold." Students research different types of light, different materials and ways to keep their house cold. They will google for this information and find results such as keep the blinds down, get blackout curtains, have fans, etc. I have the students choose three to four things they can build in their h

Students will design a house on graph paper. They will start by calculating the area of the lot (graph/grid paper). They will use the provided instructions to make their rooms and the furniture within it. Some of the items have certain specifications such as the bedroom must take up 1/3 of the grid and the bed must take up 1/4 of that room. This activity has the students working with fractions, converting to common denominators, figuring out area, etc. I even extended the activity and have my st

This packet has students think about the criteria needed for a wooden house (like the one from the Three Little Pigs). It then has a budgeted list that details how much different materials cost. This makes the activity realistic because it teaches students about real life and that tools and materials come at a price. We also test our houses, for strength, using a fan.