This week we began our first science unit, which focuses on living and non-living things.  I usually begin this unit with monarch caterpillars in the classroom, but have been unable to find any this year.  Fortunately we have loads of other interesting caterpillars on our playground and some of us are particularly good at finding them!  Today we brought in a woolly bear caterpillar and what we think (based on our research in a caterpillar field guide) was a large maple span worm.  We had a discussion about what both of these caterpillars would need to survive, before letting them return to their natural habitat.

We have also had a discussion about scientific drawings and how these may be different from artistic drawings.  We talked about the importance of matching the colors we see to what we draw and using lots of detail (without adding extra details that aren't really there).  Then we went out to the playground and  practiced making scientific drawings of a maple tree and one other living thing.  Children will be able to share their drawings and other bits and pieces of our days during Open House on Tuesday evening from 5:30-6:30!