Dalton News

MS Science Students Study Ecosystems and Light

Take an inside look at what our 4th and 5th grade scientists are up to in class.

A World of Ecosystems in Fourth Grade Science

At the beginning of this school year, fourth grade students wrote a science autobiography—sharing examples of how they’ve connected to science in the past and what goals they have for science this year. What’s clear from their autobiographies is that Dalton fourth graders are natural inquirers and many are fascinated by wildlife.
 
Recently, fourth graders have been exploring ecosystems by completing interactive case studies to learn about the interdependence between living and nonliving things within an ecosystem. In Zoom breakout rooms, students worked together to conduct background research pertinent to their case study, discussed their observations, and then collected and analyzed data. Their case study was loosely based upon a real life story about the impacts of wolves within Yellowstone National Park.
 
Students have also been learning about the effects of invasive species within ecosystems, like brown tree snakes and most notably to date, the Asian giant hornets (“murder hornets”). Students look forward to building model biomes and creating a virtual museum exhibit. Stay tuned for further updates from Dalton’s fourth grade scientists!

Fifth Graders Explore Properties of Light

To gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the science behind light, students are engaging in inquiry-based activities.
 
Fifth graders have been exploring properties of light by conducting a series of hands-on investigations. In Zoom breakout rooms, they brainstorm to figure out ways to set-up their materials for their light investigations, discuss their observations with each other, and develop additional questions that they have for inquiry. We can’t wait to see what further discoveries students will make about light during this Assignment!
 
Stories submitted by Teachers Paula Cuello, Hyun Davidson, Courtney Dennis, and Alicia Reid
Back
(Grades K-3) 53 East 91st Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5463
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: fpadmissions@dalton.org

(Gr. 4 Dalton East & PE Center) 200 East 87th Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5262
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: admissionsmshs@dalton.org

(Grade 5-12) 108 East 89th Street
New York, NY 10128
General: (212) 423-5200 | Admissions: (212) 423-5262
General: info@dalton.org | Admissions: admissionsmshs@dalton.org