When we do experiments in our classroom or explore objects found in nature, we learn to define ourselves as scientists, capable of uncovering the many wonders around us. Our kehillah is always learning and practicing scientific methods, like exploring, discovering, observing, and documenting our discoveries. Over the last four weeks, we have been enjoying our long-term, observable experiment with the apples!
First we cut open two apples and investigated them . . .
. . . and then we documented our discoveries. We noted the colors, textures, smells, and even taste of the apples.
After documenting our discoveries, we made predictions about what might happen to our apples if we left them in our terrarium for four weeks. Some of us thought they would turn “gross;” others insisted they would become “stale.” Another student insisted that the apples “would grow huge and turn green!” We learned that scientist make predictions . . . and then engage in experiments so that they can test their hypotheses against the observable results. So as scientists engaged in an experiment, we checked the progress of our apples every day . . .
After a number of weeks, we took out the apples from the terrarium and documented our discoveries.
We compared our predictions with the observable results from our experiment. Some of us discovered that our predictions were correct (“I was right! It is gross! ‘Cause I don’t want to smell or eat it!”) while others learned new information (“It’s growing fur on it!”) We all observed that all the apples became mushy, grew white, gray and green mold, smelled “yucky,” and shriveled up.
We are constantly using our scientific skills of discovery, observation and documentation in our classroom – and outside, as well!