Fall Fun at BUGS

The year is off to a great start and all the components are up to some pretty awesome stuff. I'm here to share some of the great things that the Ladybugs and Spiders have been up to in STEM.

The Ladybugs got a chance to visit the famous Mr. Trash Wheel in the Inner Harbor and see him in action as he scoops trash out of the Jones Falls.We got to talk about alternate energy sources because he runs entirely on water and solar power!

Then, we spent some time finding the Trash Wheel, BUGS campus, the school and all our houses on a map of Baltimore. We even built our very own compasses using a paperclip, magnet and styrofoam. 

Next, we looked at where we are in Maryland, the United States and the world.

The Spiders explored the different parts and functions of the digestive system by constructing their very own models. They discovered that the digestive system is basically one long tunnel whose job is to turn food into fuel for our bodies. 

Rafael and Gabriel labeling their model

Timothy labeling the parts of their model

Then, they had to test out their models by "chewing" and "digesting" some saltine and bananas. Luckily it was a beautiful day outside because digestion is messy work. 

Timothy, Tavon, Jumiah and Keon work on chewing up the food in the "mouth"

Eddie and Tharon work the food down the throat and into the stomach as Erick watches.

Eddie and Marquise squeeze the food through the small intestine while Jamal capture nutrients. 

 This week, the Spiders have been exploring outside their bodies. We have been using a microscope to look at the structure of various objects found on the BUGS campus.

Here's Jose collecting some samples. 

The Spiders gathered around as each gets to examine their objects. 

Take a look at some of the thing they collected:

A simple piece of mulch 

A close-up view of a flower

Hidden hairs covering a sage leaf

Don't worry, we've also been taking advantage of the great weather to spend some time outdoors playing. We had an great time at Patterson Park on Friday playing frisbee, swinging and running around.