2012-2013 happenings in the Lab
Under The Sea
Squid Dissection
Very gross...yet fun...and interesting!
Squid Dissection
Very gross...yet fun...and interesting!
ESTES MODEL ROCKET BUILDING AND LAUNCHING
The last week of school at TOAST can only mean one thing...
rocket launching.
Select fourth graders build rockets
and launch them for the rest of school.
Listen to the morning announcements to
find out the launch schedule for the day.
rocket launching.
Select fourth graders build rockets
and launch them for the rest of school.
Listen to the morning announcements to
find out the launch schedule for the day.
TOAST FISHING CLUB
GONE FISHIN'
Last week, theTOAST AFTER-SCHOOL
FISHING CLUB hiked over to Washington Park and went fishing.
We caught over 20 fish, including bluegills and pumpkin seed sunfish.
SOAP BOX DERBY IS UNDER WAY!
We selected our three drivers!!!
Don't miss the TOAST racing team
on JUNE 8 and 9 as they compete
in the Capital District Soap Box Derby.
Race is held in front of the NY State Museum.
LAST WEEK, THE TOAST 'Road Scholars' VISITED RADIX
Radix (latin for root), is a local company
that composts and grows food locally.
We had a great after-school trip
and we learned a lot about plants.
ARBOR DAY (the last Friday in April)
Two great pine cones from my collection.
Arbor Day is always a special day in the science lab. Today the students learned about the importance of trees and the history of Arbor Day.
ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS
PRESENT PROGRAM
This is the size of a deer tick that can spread Lyme's Disease.
On Friday April 26, 2013, Albany Medical College students ran two Lyme's Disease programs here at TOAST. Remember their message..."always check your
body for ticks after being out in wooded areas."
3...2...1...Lift-Off
Water, Water Everywhere...
Monday was Earth Day but at the TOAST LAB,
we celebrate Earth Day all week!
Each lab class goes out to the
new pavilion where we play
science games. We also spent
some time planting, cleaning up and feeding the birds.
May the "Forest" be with you!
JR SCIENCE EXPO
On April 11 we had our 8th annual JR SCIENCE EXPO. Each year we have this special Science event for all of our students in grade pre-k through grade 3.
A special thank you to all of our Jr.Scientists!
I think we all learned something new.
JOSEPH HENRY CITY-WIDE SCIENCE FAIR
St. Rose Speaker at the Science Fair.
Congratulations to our 7 Joseph Henry Science Fair
participants! They spent this past Friday at
the College of Saint Rose sharing
their projects with fellow scientists.
3-22-13
participants! They spent this past Friday at
the College of Saint Rose sharing
their projects with fellow scientists.
3-22-13
Wednesday March 20, 2013 The first day of Spring.
TOAST students learned about the Vernal Equinox. (Latin for Equal Night).
Look for migrating birds on their way back to Albany!
Although it doesn't look like it, Spring is
here. Look for signs of Spring outside your house
and on the way to school. Have you seen any
new birds or bugs around?
HAPPY Pi DAY! March 14, 2013 or 3.14
What is pi? The sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet.
Does it have a symbol? Yes...π
What does pi mean in Math? Pi is a math ratio between the circumference of a circle to the diameter of that same circle. Regardless of the circle's size, this ratio will always equal pi.
Pi is written as 3.14 but it can go on for ever.
Check out that number below!
3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510582097494
45923078164062862089986280348253421170679821480865132823066470938446095...
Does it have a symbol? Yes...π
What does pi mean in Math? Pi is a math ratio between the circumference of a circle to the diameter of that same circle. Regardless of the circle's size, this ratio will always equal pi.
Pi is written as 3.14 but it can go on for ever.
Check out that number below!
3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510582097494
45923078164062862089986280348253421170679821480865132823066470938446095...
The TOAST Science Fair was a great success!
Seven of our students will go on to the Joseph Henry Science Fair.
At TOAST, our students use the scientific method to test a hypothesis. Each student in grade 4 and 5 is required to state a question, research, design an experiment and measure data.
NO DEMONSTRATIONS ALLOWED!
The making of the Green!!!
We used the capillary action of water to draw the liquids together.
We mixed primary
colors blue and
yellow food coloring
to make green
liquid for
St Patrick's Day.
After-School Science Fair Help
On March 4 and 6 we had After-School Science
Fair help sessions. Students could work on their experiments, type reports and/or print out their science fair papers.
All 4th and 5th grade students are required to complete a project using the Scientific Method.
WHAT ARE YOU TESTING?
Fair help sessions. Students could work on their experiments, type reports and/or print out their science fair papers.
All 4th and 5th grade students are required to complete a project using the Scientific Method.
WHAT ARE YOU TESTING?
Happy Valentines Day!!!
"On this special day, may your heart pump oxygen-rich blood throughout
your entire body...all day long."
Mr. Flynn
(So, what kind of Valentine's Day message did you expect to get from the Science Lab?)
This week, TOAST students learned about the human heart.
your entire body...all day long."
Mr. Flynn
(So, what kind of Valentine's Day message did you expect to get from the Science Lab?)
This week, TOAST students learned about the human heart.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Thomas Edison
Happy Birthday to You!
February 11, 1847 Happy Birthday to Thomas Edison... He once said that, "Genius is 1% Inspiration and 99 % Perspiration."
That means that you must WORK HARD to succeed!
February 12,1809 Happy birthday to famous scientist Charles Darwin
and President Abraham Lincoln.
They were born on the same day just four hours apart!
Who knew?
Happy Marmota monax Day
A groundhog or as we call it in NY, a woodchuck . They are true hibernators.
February 2, 2012
Marmota monax is the scientific name for a groundhog.
PHIL saw his shadow so does this mean an early spring?
TOAST students discussed the science/folk lore of Phil the Groundhog. Can a groundhog predict the weather?
For sure, we all agreed that any holiday that highlights
weather and animals is fun.
This week TOASTERS learned about
scientific animal names and we played a hibernation game.
Marmota monax is the scientific name for a groundhog.
PHIL saw his shadow so does this mean an early spring?
TOAST students discussed the science/folk lore of Phil the Groundhog. Can a groundhog predict the weather?
For sure, we all agreed that any holiday that highlights
weather and animals is fun.
This week TOASTERS learned about
scientific animal names and we played a hibernation game.
TUESDAY SCIENCE EXPLORERS
Each Tuesday we meet
afterschool to
explore new topics in science.
There might still
be a spot or two left for students
in grades 3, 4,or 5.
2-5-13
Scientific Models
Human Arm Model Activity
Here is an example of a human arm model that was made by on of our second graders. 2-11-13
Notice that the arm bones are labeled, the balloon is the bicep muscle, the tape is the tendon, and the rubber band represents the ligament holding the bones together.
NICE JOB!!!
SNOWFLAKE IDENTIFICATION
SCIENCE EXPLORER CLUB
The Explorers filled up the bird feeders to help attract some new species. We will begin Project Feederwatch next month as we count the birds we see and send our tally sheets to Cornell University.
JANUARY ASTRONOMY NIGHT
We had a great time looking at many wonderful winter constellations!!! We also saw Jupiter and it's first four moons. (not something that you see every night.) Great job TOASTERS and I"ll see you in February.
ANIMAL FOOTPRINTS
Look for track in your neighborhood.
Fitting in well with our new school-wide theme,
ON THE GROUND, our TOAST students made OBSERVATIONS and INFERENCES as they studied New York State animal footprints. Who made that print? Where was the animal going? did they fight with each other? Look at the clues left behind and make your own inference!
ON THE GROUND, our TOAST students made OBSERVATIONS and INFERENCES as they studied New York State animal footprints. Who made that print? Where was the animal going? did they fight with each other? Look at the clues left behind and make your own inference!
RECYCLE TIME
We learned how to get
a recycling bin from the
City of Albany
and how to fill it up!!!
LET'S EAT!
This is a time of year when people eat special types of food. Many of these special foods are prepared from home-made recipes and many special spices are used. These spices come from around the world. We looked at sugar cane (stem), nutmeg (nut or seed), cinnamon (bark), vanilla (bean) and ginger (root). Here are a few pictures.
JR. FIRST LEGO LEAGUE
Using LEGOS, TOAST students built a model of a wringer washer and
a modern washing machine.
The LEGO team interviewed Mr. Ken Skinner, longtime TOAST volunteer and all aroung nice guy, for the Super Senior LEGO Program. Our task was to learn about technology from 60 - 80 years ago and see how it changed. Our team chose the washing machine...from wringer washer to modern automatic. Our project was a great success at the SUNY Albany Expo!
Thanks to Mr. Skinner and all he does for our TOAST students.
Reindeer Antler
Yes my friends...a reindeer is a real
animal. It can be found in Greenland
and other northern regions on earth.
Hey Mr. Flynn...How much sugar is in that?
TOAST students learned about the sugar content in different brands of soda...and were they surprized! Check nutrition info to see how much sugar (and salt!) is in each container of soda.
Balancing Act
Are they really floating?
Finding the center of gravity with a group
of fifth graders. We discussed the physics
of gravity and mass as we built these
"floating" pencils.
You can't see me!
TOAST students learned about animal adaptations that help them survive.
We focused on camouflage. Students colored white moths the with crayons to camouflage them. The students hid them around the lab and it was my job to find them. I, or course, was the "bad" predator!
JUNIOR FIRST LEGO LEAGUE
Last years theme was called Snack Attack.
Our 6 second graders are coming along with their research for this year's expo. Their grade 4 and 5 mentors are helping them as they explore the topic of "Super Seniors."
More to follow...
TOAST LAB Turkey Program
Gobble Gobble...
In the science lab we learned the
differences between wild turkeys
and farm turkeys.
In the science lab we learned the
differences between wild turkeys
and farm turkeys.
Helicopters in the Lab
Mr. Brown purchased two remote controlled
helicopters and he stores them in the Science Lab.(LUCKY ME!!!) TOAST students learn about flight as they get a chance to controll the helicopters. Oh yea...and it's fun.
Make your PREDICTIONS now
Students at TOAST are invited to predict how much snow will fall this season. Will it be less than last year's 23 inches?...or more than 2003 when we had over 105 inches. The winner will recieve a pair of binoculars. ***In case of a tie, we will hold a special drawing.
TOAST TRAVELERS are off again!
Checking out the Nature Center.
Twelve TOAST students met me at Five Rivers for a hike. Our after-school club meets about once each month and we go to different places. Where shall we go next? (Thurs-11-08-12)
ROBOT VISITOR
One of our fifth grade TOAST students
brought in his remote controlled robot.
Laughing and Learning
Is this Mr. Flynn wearing his gorilla mask... or is there a REAL gorilla in the Science Lab?
Disguised as a gorilla, Mr Flynn teaches students about these 500 pound animals.
"Gorillas are some of the most powerful and striking animals, not only for their size and force, but also for their gentle human like behavior." World Wildlife Foundation
It's the GREAT PUMPKIN OBSERVATION, Mr. Flynn
October means pumpkin observations in the Science lab. We will measure and weigh pumpkins.
Our New Outdoor Learning Pavillion
October 19
The new TOAST Outdoor Learning Pavillion is under way. Track the progress as you view these photos.
Know Your Science Terminology and Glassware
We expose TOAST students to all manners of scientific apparatus in the science lab. Children are building their science vocabulary as well as widening their scope of scientific proceedures.
Wireless Outdoor Weather Station at TOAST
Our Weather Station is being installed on the roof. By next week we will be collecting weather data and making predictions. Thanks to Mr La for his help.
Flash (the baby chick)
Flash was recently sighted in the
science lab. Flash likes to follow Mrs.Googins all over the school!
IN THE AIR Our new school-wide theme
Look for special programing and events as we explore the science of...IN THE AIR!
Zooplankton Survey
Washington Park Pond
We welcomed Prof. Hopkins from the College of St. Rose as he taught our fourth graders about microscopic animals that live in Washington Park. We saw copepods,cladocera and ostracods...many,many ostracods!!!
Second Grade Student Rock Collection
I encourage TOAST students to "bring in science" from home.
This rock collection is on display in the
Science Lab. It was brought in
by one of our second grade
student scientists. Well done!
OCTOBER BIRD WATCH
Our October bird-watch was a lot of fun.
The first Friday of each month...rain or shine (or snow), meet me for birdwatching.
.
HUDSON RIVER AFTER-SCHOOL TRIP
Fun was had by all at our Hudson River Trip. We learned about the river and took a few water samples.
WHERE SHOULD THE
TOAST TRAVELERS GO NEXT?
ANY IDEAS?
RODENT ALERT!!!
This is a beaver skull. It was
found by one of our
Grade 3 TOAST scientists.
Keep on searching!
SOIL OBSERVATION for October 1, 2012
TOAST students using microscopes and hand lenses observed a sample of potting soil. Students were able to sort out different minerals and organic materials.
"Nice observation skills!"
Good Job Monday Classes.
Giant Puff-Ball Mushroom
This mushroom was given to me by Mrs. Wright.
YUK!!! COOL!!! That is what I usually hear when I show this to a class.
Check out this giant puff-ball mushroom! It really is special organism. Like all mushrooms, this giant puff-ball is a fungus. Fungi, (many fungus organisms) cannot make their own food...they live off dead and decaying plant material. They are not green because they do not make Chlorophyll.
TOAST GEOLOGICAL ROCK PARK
There is a sign at the beginning of the park. Use it as a guide to all of our New York State Rocks.
September means TOAST ROCKS!!!
Last week, each class in grades 1 through 5 visited the Geological Rock Park. We learned about rocks and minerals in the science lab and went to the rock park to find examples. Ask your special TOAST student for a tour.
TOAST MICROSCOPE PROGRAM
Hard working fifth graders looking at plant cells.
Here at TOAST we take our Microscopy seriously!!! TOAST has 16 high powered microscopes, (these aren't toys), and there is no waiting. When I first used a microscope in middle school, there were only a few at my school and
i remember having to wait to use one for such a long time. Our TOAST students are well equipt.
Special thanks to Prof. Hopkins from the college of St. Rose for his help and expertise.
i remember having to wait to use one for such a long time. Our TOAST students are well equipt.
Special thanks to Prof. Hopkins from the college of St. Rose for his help and expertise.