Science   My goal for the science program for MNS is to present science to the children in the context of learning about the world around them.  I believe in a hands-on approach as much as possible.  Science can be easily integrated into a child's daily life, and although they will not always grasp the terminology or concepts the first time it is presented, my hope is that they will develop an interest and curiosity that will encourage them to explore these ideas further as they grow older.  I try to present my program according to the National Science Content Standards for K-4 including physical science, life science, earth and space science, science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives, the history and nature of science, and most importantly, science as inquiry.  Above all, I hope that each child leaves the year with enthusiasm, excitement, and enjoyment for the world of science.  Some of the areas covered during the year will include trees, fall, the sun and light, germs, magnets, air, light and sound, crystals, volcanoes, temperature, the earth, the ocean, pollution and the water cycle.  There are additional rotating programs on colors, molds, absorption, worms, teeth, and mixtures.  I end each year with a six-week unit on animal families, habitats, and the life cycle. Barb Casper - Science Teacher

For January, the science classes looked into the earth and the oceans.  We have learned about rocks, fossils, and other things we can find in the earth.  We dove into the ocean to learn about sharks, whales, shells, sponges, and some unusual fish and animals that live in the sea.  The Bear, Bunny and Turtle classes all got to do some experiments with crystals.  The older classes made crystal gardens using ammonia, charcoal, salt and bluing.  The Bear classes made crystal snowflakes using borax and water.  For those of you who would like to try this one at home, the directions are below.                                       Sparkling Crystal Dip   What you need:  Borax (available in the laundry section of Krogers), pipe cleaners (the fluffier the better), a large glass jar, string, and hot water.    Make a shape with your pipe cleaners.  I take one large fluffy white pipe cleaner, cut it into three pieces and twist them to form a “ *”  shape, but any shape will do.  Tie a piece of string to your shape.  You can tape the other end of the string to the jar lid if a lid is available or tie it to a pencil laid flat across the top of the jar so that your shape will hang down into the jar.  Use boiling water and borax to make a supersaturated solution.  I use 11/2 cups of borax to 4 cups of boiling water.  Stir the solution until all the powder is dissolved.  Suspend your shape in the solution and let it remain overnight.  The next day, lift out your shape by the string and enjoy the sparkling crystals that have formed.