Dissecting Owl Pellets

Can we discover what an owl eats by dissecting an owl pellet?

As part of our study of food webs and food chains students had the opportunity to discover where an owl gets its energy from by dissecting an owl pellet.  After carefully separating the bones from the hair students matched the bones to an identification chart.  Students learned that the owls had eaten rodents and birds.  Finally, students assembled the bones into partial bird and rodent skeletons.

Massachusetts Science Standards:

Energy and Living Things (Grades 3 - 5)

11. Describe how energy derived from the sun is used by plants to produce sugars (photosynthesis) and is transferred within a food chain from producers (plants) to consumers to decomposers.

Let's stop creating trash!

Change is Simple is an organization that inspires elementary students to adopt a lifelong environmental and social responsibility.  On Wednesday, January 25th fourth graders participated in a trash sorting relay race and learned ways to reduce the amount of trash that they produce.  Students then held a large water bottle snake made from 228 water bottles and learned that the average person uses 228 water bottles a year!

Click here to learn more about Change is Simple 

What are Simple Machines?

Mr. Woodley, a science and engineering enthusiast visited fourth graders on Friday, January 20th. Students were able to use a pulley to lift a cinder block, lift Mr. Woodley using a lever, and learn how a screw can be used to pump water.  This demonstration was a preview to the Simple Machines unit that Team Gibbas students will be exploring later in the year.

Thank you Mr. Woodley for volunteering your time to help our students learn!

Me on the Map Southeast Region

During the month of December Team Gibbas learned about the climate, natural resources, cities, and landmarks of Southeast Region of the United States.  After learning about many different features of the region students were assigned a partner and a particular landmark in the Southeast Region to explore further.  Each student pair has been hidden on the Southeast Map below.  Click on each map icon to find the Team Gibbas members and to learn more about a few important Southeast Region landmarks.

Grade 4 Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Standards 4.10 Identify the states, state capitals, and major cities in each region. (G) 4.11 Describe the climate, major physical features, and major natural resources in each region. (G)