We've been doing lots of work on nonfiction reading and writing lately. Now, we are ready to take what we have learned and apply it as scientists. Mrs. Nerkizian told us yesterday that some new living things had joined our classroom: MEALWORMS! Everyone was extremely excited and couldn't wait to see them and find out more.
We went over the mealworm rules and all agreed to follow them. Next, the class recorded the things that they know (or think they know). Here is a sampling of our responses:
*They have 3 legs. -Ashley
*They have 5 hearts. -Patrick
*They are small. -Rebekah
*Mealworms like to shake (or wiggle). -Alex P.
*They move slow. -Jayden
*Mealworms need a cage with holes. -Alex C.
*Mealworms love dirt. -Allison
*They do not have things like people do (like a neck or arms, legs, and feet). -Daniela
*Mealworms are brown. -Kobi
*Mealworms are slimy. -Logan
*Mealworms are dirty. -Daniel
*They have long bodies. -Jack
*Mealworms live in dirt. -Olivia
*Mealworms help plants grow. -Isabella
*They eat dirt. -Patrick
Everyone also recorded questions that they have or things that they would like to learn. Here are some of our questions:
*Why are they slow? -Sophia
*How small are mealworms? -Hope
*Do they move a lot? -Lauren
*What do they eat? -Isabelle
*Are they fast or slow? -Daniel
*Why are they called mealworms? -Nicole
*Are they like worms? -Megan
*How do they walk (with 3 legs)? -Ashley
*Do they help farmers? Do they help farmers get rid of small insects that get rid of their crops? -Jack
*Why are they small? -Isabella
*Do they have feet? -Andy
*What do mealworms do? -Isabelle
*Do they have eyes? -Patrick
*Do they drink? -Megan
*Do mealworms poop? -Olivia
*Do they have bones? -Sofia
Finally, it was time to see the mealworms. Some children felt comfortable touching and holding them and some did not. Everyone watched carefully to find out more about the newest addition to our classroom.