This amazing hands-on experience immersed our second graders in three separate learning activities throughout the day. First, we got to "travel" to the tropical rain forests of our planet, where we learned about the diverse layers of that ecosystem, as well as the various animal species that call the rainforest home. We also got up close and personal with a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach and a snake!! Next, we traveled back in time to discover the dinosaurs. Not only did we get to classify fossils into groups of "fake" and "real," but we also got to categorize our fossils as being derived from plants or animals. We even got to make our very own "fossils," while discussing how and why scientists use fossils to learn new things about life from the past! Finally, after a much a needed lunch, we talked about the scientific properties of the gak and flubber that we concocted!! Did flubber or gak bounce better? Did gak or flubber stretch more easily? Just ask our young scientists! What was our favorite learning experience of the day? It's too close to call! Check out our kids in action and you can decide for yourself!! #scienceisfun!
Our Ride in the Rainforest
Did you know that the rainforests contain over half of the diverse species of animals in the world, but the rainforests only make up about 7% our world?!
Fantastic Fossils
Do you see that giant shark tooth that George and Arjun are examining? It is actually a REAL fossilized tooth from an actual megalodon! Jaws has nothing on that monster!!
Slime, Goo, and Ooze
It's amazing what a little borax and glue can do!
The Science Museum of Long Island is located in Plandome, right near Manhasset. Though it is called a "museum," the location is more like a cluster of classrooms than a typical museum. SMLI offers many weekend and summer activities/programs in a wide array of scientific areas. If your child enjoyed yesterday's field trip, you might want to consider checking out more of what the museum has to offer! Our scientists love to explore :)
