The third grade began its science inquiry-based learning in September in Elgin when the corn ear worms arrived! The students were assigned three worms each and raised them through adulthood.

Science journals were kept each day, hypothesis written, a digital microscope was used to document data, measurements of the worms were taken, graphs were made, habitats designed and drawings were created.

The worms changed to pupas and the students patiently waited. The students were able to discern which pupas were male and female under the microscope; therefore, changing names if needed.

One day in October, the students were greeted by moths fluttering in their habitats. The class experienced the sadness of loss as well as the excitement of many moths laying more eggs. The cycle of life continues in Room 4!

The future scientists also researched non-fiction books and made reports of the corn ear worm, featuring dangers, diet and uses. Along with this report and the journals, each student created a life cycle poster of their corn ear worm. These will be on display during Elgin’s Science Fair in January.

On Nov. 30, Dr. Craig Wilson from the College of Science at Texas A&M University spent the day with the third-gade class. He was the scientist that conducted a summer workshop that Anna Coleman attended. He offered to follow up with any teacher and visit their school.

Wilson brought experiments into the classroom, making small rockets, creating gases from corn and stressed the importance of using actual observation vs. memory while experimenting. He taught the students about variables, data and documentation during these experiments.

He also covered the corn ear worm experiment, discussing pesticides vs. natural predators. He shared videos of his research with bats and their function in protecting crops from the corn ear worm.

Did you know that there are caves in Texas that are homes to 20 million bats and those bats eat 200 tons of insects a night?

The class also collected leaves and grass seeds from the playground, observed them under the microscope, learned about the vital parts of plants and pollination. One of the fascinations discovered was the dissection of the fuzz under the leaves revealed infant-stage wasps. The children were able to identify several insects on the leaves and moss under the microscope as well.

Wilson also talked about and brought in flesh-eating beetles and hissing cockroaches, both playing a vital part in decomposition and clean up of garbage. The children were captivated the entire day.

When he was packing up, Wilson shared with Anna that this class asked more in-depth questions and were more observant than any other class he has visited. Coleman and the third graders are very excited to learn that there will be a repeat “science day” in May, when Wilson returns to our class.

(Editor’s Note: Anna Coleman is a 3rd grade teacher.)