Elmont Union Free School District

Clara H. Carlson School third graders in Kayla Tierney’s class are diving into hands-on investigations that ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking skills as they actively engage in the district’s new science curriculum, the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES Science Center.

As part of their first unit Adaptation and Survival, the third grade scholars are learning about how different salt levels in water can affect the growth and color of grass seeds.

Using the SeeSaw app on their iPads, the students began the experiment by formulating a hypothesis based on their prior knowledge and questions about how salt affects plant growth. With protective eyewear in place, they stepped confidently into the role of scientists, ready to investigate.

Working collaboratively in teams, the groups were assigned different roles — “No Salt,” “Low Salt,” “Medium Salt” or “High Salt.” After carefully mixing their designated salt levels into water, they planted grass seeds in cups filled with potting soil and watered them with their custom solutions. Each student took on a specific responsibility, ensuring that everyone played an active role and gained meaningful, hands-on experience with the scientific process.

During the course of nine days, the class will regularly water and observe the cups, recording the number of seeds that sprout and the color of the grass.

“The students have been so excited as they engage in real-world science practices,” Ms. Tierney said. “They’re asking questions, experimenting and thinking like scientists.”

The OHM BOCES Science Center curriculum, which was implemented this school year for scholars in Pre-K through fifth grade, focuses on hands-on experiments that align with the New York State Science Learning Standards.