Gold Rush believes that students need to experience science concepts. An inquiry approach allows students to discover concepts through hands on exploration. This approach is evident in first grade students' current life science unit. Students are observing the life cycles of plants and animals. They are observing how plants grow and discussing the conditions that are most ideal.
Students are also observing the life cycles of beetles and butterflies. First grade classrooms were buzzing this week as some of the mealworms transformed into beetles. Students were busy observing and drawing the different characteristics they noticed. They have also been documenting the caterpillar's stages and cannot wait to release their grown butterflies soon. Students' enthusiasm and excitement has been fun to watch!