How much would a snail move on sandpaper? What about on a sponge?
Second grade students throughout the Poughkeepsie City School District could probably tell you, after gaining the tools to predict, observe and draw conclusions.
The second graders at both Truth and Krieger elementary schools in February and March took part in the Exploring Science program through Vassar College’s Environmental Cooperative, in which Vassar teaching students visit each classroom for a pair of lessons encouraging the young Pioneers to “think like a scientist.”
The first lesson focused on observational skills, with students using their different senses to explore natural objects with which most were unfamiliar, like the seed pods from a honey locust tree.
The students talked about the texture, smell, weight and other aspects of each object, using phrases like “I notice…” “I wonder…” and “It reminds me of…” to turn observations into questions. For example, the students noticed the seed pods made noise and was bumpy, wondered what was inside and where it came from, and noted it reminded them of a maraca or, yes, seeds.
The second lesson asked students to use those observational skills while making predictions and testing hypothesis. The students wrote down how much they believed a snail could move on three different surfaces: sandpaper, a sponge and small rocks. Then, they watched the snail’s actions to compare their predictions to their results.
Lindsay Dalton, Vassar’s program manager for Exploring Science, said the program aims to help students build “a foundation for science” at an early age. Exploring Science is funded in part by a state Office of Children and Family Services grant. Its current iteration at Poughkeepsie began in 2022, though Dalton noted it’s existed in different form for roughly 40 years.
The program will conclude next month with field trips to the Preserve at Vassar just outside the city, which includes 475 acres of natural area comprised of many habitats, including streams, wetlands, ponds, forests, and old fields populated by a stunning diversity of flora and fauna.
“They’ll get to use these science skills that they learn to explore the different habitats, meet different animals and have a good time,” Dalton said.