How Does Light Color Affect Plant Growth? We're Going to Find OUT!

I'm positive I've mentioned on my blog that I do have a few subjects in science that aren't exactly my favorite..... 

Anyone else have those moments in teaching?

Oh just me, huh?

The silver lining in having a least favorite subject to teach is the fuel it gives you to find engaging and interactive teaching materials. Last year, I purchased a "Seed Investigation" on TeachersPayTeachers from HelloLearning and it totally rocked our classroom. We were planting seeds, designing our own investigations, and having the best time studying plants. Who knew it was possible? (I totally recommend checking out HelloLearning's shop on TpT. You won't regret it!)

A few weeks ago, I started mentally preparing for our classification unit because it was on the horizon. It's all about the attitude, right? If the kids can see I'm not happy... then no one is happy! So by golly, we were going to make this unit rock two years in a row! After collaborating with a high school teacher and friend, he suggested a fantastic plant experiment for my kids. What if we tested how the color of light affects plant growth? Using the resources I purchased last year from HelloLearning, we set up another experiment testing light color and plant growth. Let's just say... this experiment is the cat's pajamas. 

Literally a cat wearing pajamas.

Here are few of my "live" tweets about setting up the experiment on Tuesday. 

We are ready to answer the testable question, how does changing the color of light affect plant growth? @shawnfowler pic.twitter.com/CHEEkxSzY2
— Jordon (@furnelly) February 10, 2015

Planting radish seeds for our seed investigation! Will changing the color of light affect plant growth? @shawnfowler pic.twitter.com/nN2wB3y7bY
— Jordon (@furnelly) February 10, 2015

First class has planted radish seeds under our colorful lights thanks to @shawnfowler! pic.twitter.com/mc2Dn373wL
— Jordon (@furnelly) February 10, 2015

Share with me! What are your best lesson for teaching classification? 

Scientific Method iMovies

I'm sure you're all familiar with the book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie..." by Laura Numeroff, right?

Source

Well... if you give a kid an iMovie project to create...
You're going to need some patience.
If you give a kid an iMovie project, you're probably going to need some props and costumes to go along with the project.
Then, when other students see one group with a wig and a microphone.. you're PROBABLY going to need to find six more wigs, 6 more microphones, and 8 more feet in your classroom to make space for the creativity happening.

Catch my drift? :)

 In previous years, I have had students create scientific method comic strips demonstrating their understanding of the scientific method. This year, I decided to utilize iMovie and have students create a movie to illustrate their knowledge of the scientific method process.

Let's just say... it was pure chaos in my room for a few days. I started to sweat wondering if this project was even making an impact? Were they learning anything? Were they truly showing me what they knew about the scientific method?

I held my breath. Counted to ten. Crossed my fingers and toes and hoped for genuine learning to happen. I even had time to snap a few pictures and send a tweet or two:

Happening now in my classroom: the King is editing his iMovie on the scientific method. Creativity abound in room 52! pic.twitter.com/mcQfgYeBlU
— Jordon (@furnelly) September 30, 2014

Creating, filming, and editing iMovie projects in science class! #edtechchat #ipads pic.twitter.com/mM1FWYukW4
— Jordon (@furnelly) September 29, 2014

Then... it was presentation day. I had watched the chaos, costumes, accents, and shenanigans unfold for several days and I held my breath as I pressed play on my computer.

It was like the scene from Sleeping Beauty where Aurora begins singing with the animals in perfect harmony...

Everything came together. The projects came together. They were clearly demonstrating their knowledge of the scientific method!

Despite my hestitation and worry about the project, they were a smashing success. Since then we have been on an iMovie roller coaster creating projects left and right. We just wrapped up individual goal videos, erosion and weathering videos in science, and are starting book trailers! #weloveiMovie

Share with me teachers, how do you use iMovie in your classroom?

SCIENCE RULES! Making Lava Lamps

Our Friday was rather exciting in Science because we made our own lava lamps. I'm sure parents and bus drivers were turning their heads when several kids were walking out the door with water bottles filled with colorful liquid. A great conversation starter if you ask me! 

Last year, a fellow 5th grade teacher created lava lamps with her students and had the best time doing so. I didn't want my kids to miss out on this experience, so I knew I wanted to add it to my scientific method lesson plans. What a great way to hook kids onto science experiments!

Here's how we made our lava lamps:

1. Fill an empty water bottle 1/2 - 3/4 full of vegetable oil.
2. Add 10 drops of food coloring to the oil.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with water - leave room at the top of the bottle in case it overflows. Yes, I speak from experience!
4. Break an antacid tablet into tiny pieces and drop into the bottle. 
5. Watch for the reaction!

I couldn't help it - I even made a Vine video during the madness. Do you Vine in the classroom? I'd love to hear about it!

It was an awesome experiment and perfect way to end the week. 

SCIENCE RULES.