Summary of our first science class

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Today in science class, 5^th – 7^th graders summarized the scientific method and made connections between the steps of the scientific method and the skills/type of thinking that they will be using to organize their portfolios. After our discussion about “what scientists do”, we spent some time summarizing a few terms that we will be using over the next 3 months.

1)   Hypothesis: A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. An educated guess.

2)   Species: A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding.

3)   Native species: a species is defined as native to a given region or ecosystem if its presence in that region is the result of only natural processes, with no human intervention

4)   Alien species: An introduced, neozoon, alien, exoti, non-indigenous, or non-native species, or simply an introduction, is a species living outside its native distributional range, which has arrived there by human activity, either deliberate or accidental.

5)   Invasive species: Non-native species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.

6)   Restoration: The action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition

 After defining these terms, my focus was on introducing the concept of intraspecific variation and differential survival. I used dog breeds as an example of within species variation, and the peppered moth story (during the industrial revolution) to illustrate differential survival. I think that students understood the concept! If you talk to them about this at home and notice any misconceptions please let me know!

 During the last 30 minutes, 3^th  -4^th graders joined us to help 5^th -7^th graders plant seeds of 5 CA native bunchgrass species.  Students will monitor seedlings for the next 2 months. On November 2nd, we are going to McLaughlin natural reserve where we will all have the opportunity to plant native grasses at a restoration area. : )   

Unfortunately, I can’t stay at the school past 3 PM to meet you all, but please feel free to contact me at fonseca.carolina9@gmail.com if you have any comment, question or concern.