Second grade solves science mystery
Students became crime-solving detectives as they learned about the properties and states of matter.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
Who is the mysterious cocoa caper culprit? If you talk to any member of the Class of 2033, this question is top of mind as second grade dives into another engaging, cross-curricular unit.
Overnight, the atrium on the second floor of the West Wing has become the scene of the crime — someone has tampered with the hot water for Head of Lower School Amy Woodson’s famous competition cocoa, and it’s up to second grade to catch the culprit. While the scenario is made up, the quest to solve the mystery takes students on a multi-day investigation.
Donning their detective badges, students sketch the crime scene for clues. Teachers ask guiding questions to challenge students' observational skills: how many sets of footprints do you see, which direction are these feet pointed, what objects seem out of place for a hot cocoa making contest? They read alibis from teachers and administrators suspected of the crime and build logic charts to organize their thoughts as they strengthen their reading comprehension skills.
"There are a lot of theories, wondering, and conflicting information that they have to think through," Second Grade Teacher Betsy Hoffman '83 explained.
"We hope to develop students' awareness of those numerous details and their connections," Second Grade Teacher Victoria Roca continued.
"There are a lot of theories, wondering, and conflicting information that they have to think through," Second Grade Teacher Betsy Hoffman '83 explained.
"We hope to develop students' awareness of those numerous details and their connections," Second Grade Teacher Victoria Roca continued.
The unit is also a supplemental study of the properties and states of matter, and as second grade hunts for clues, students conduct several experiments melting marshmallows, separating mysterious solids, and exploring the properties and powers of dry ice.
As students are engrossed in the hands–on experiments and imaginative story, they learn about the scientific method, write lab reports, and learn to create and articulate evidence-based arguments based on who they guess the culprit will be.
In the end, correctly identifying the culprit matters less than the educational outcomes of the project. And, it's an excellent opportunity for advancing students' love of learning. As Roca reminds us, "It's just a lot of fun for everyone throughout the entire process."
In the end, correctly identifying the culprit matters less than the educational outcomes of the project. And, it's an excellent opportunity for advancing students' love of learning. As Roca reminds us, "It's just a lot of fun for everyone throughout the entire process."
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2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.