Dalton News

Fifth Graders Explore the World of Cells in Science

Students in 5th grade science have learned about cells and what cells are made of through a variety of exploratory hands-on and virtual activities.  
The Middle School Science Team kicked off the "Life Unseen" Assignment by having students grapple with the question, "What makes something living?" 

Students first explored the world around them by completing a bio-art project using a digital handheld microscope. Next, they examined various samples on microscope slides, including their own hair, skin, notebooks, clothing fibers, chairs, plants, tables, and a host of biological specimens. In this Assignment, students had the opportunity to engage in a virtual lab to learn more about different types of cells and cellular organelles. In addition, students conducted a hands-on lab to learn about yeast and the process of fermentation. 

While studying bacteria, students collaboratively designed a class experiment where they swabbed various surfaces around Dalton to discover the wide variety of bacteria populations found throughout the world.

This year, we worked with the Dalton Library to complete a field study at the American Museum of Natural History about connections between microorganisms and the larger ecosystems in the Invisible Worlds exhibit. Students drew specimens from the Collections Core in their Field Journal and thought about connections between how bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can affect larger organisms and the ecosystem.

To dive even deeper into the study of cells, students collaborated with New Lab educators and toured cells using virtual reality. Then, after researching a cell of interest to them, students applied some engineering design principles to construct a 3-D model of their researched cell. Finally, students created a children's picture book to teach other kids their age about cells.    

A huge thanks to New Lab for facilitating the VR activity, Kris Santos and the Museum Program for helping bring students to Invisible Worlds, the Library for the creation of the Field Journal, and all of the faculty who chaperoned our trips to AMNH. 

Check out these photos to see how much fun abounded as students engaged in their learning inquiries during this Assignment!

Submitted by Middle School Science Teachers Hyun Davidson, Jake Henin, 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