Kindergarten scientists have a whole new world to explore this year with the addition of two pet turtles!
“When the students entered the lab they were amazed,” said Michelle Binder, science teacher for Hillel’s Juda and Maria Diener Lower School.
At first, the scientists asked many questions. Questions like…
“Are they boys or girls?”
“Can they live in water AND out of water?”
“Why do they crawl inside their shells?”
Stop by campus to check out our science lab to get the answers.
Now the students observe the turtles using their senses and often come by the lab to visit and feed them.
The National Science Teachers Association stresses “…the importance of early experiences in science so that students develop problem-solving skills that empower them to participate in an increasingly scientific and technological world.” From such experiences, students develop understandings and skills. According to the NSTA, elementary school students learn science best when they are involved in first-hand exploration and investigation, and inquiry/process skills are nurtured.
“The opportunity to work hands-on with the turtles is a real life experience that engages the students' curiosity,” Ms. Binder said. “It is so exciting to see our smallest scientists using their inquiry skills!”