Fifth grade at PUE started off the year with a fun, hands-on science study of photosynthesis. Students got to observe what happens with chromatography when spinach leaves, rich in chlorophyll, are crushed and then applied to filter paper dipped in a solvent. Pigment separation of the two types of chlorophyll was observed, and students learned that the darker pigment was chlorophyll a, and the lighter was chlorophyll b.
A demonstration in transpiration was also observed when fresh cut flowers were placed in water with food coloring.
Students were able to draw their daily observations in their science journals to document changes they saw.
Fifth graders also just completed a math study of volume. Pictured are some of the decomposing of rectangular prisms to find total volume problems the students have been working.[slideshow_deploy id=’97222′]