Great news, everyone!
It’s about that time of year where we complete our annual Ecocolumns project in science class.
WHAT ARE THEY?
Each student will be creating a water and land habitat suitable for observation in our science classes for a week. Once we’re finished with them in class the students will be able to take them home.
Each student will be creating a water and land habitat suitable for observation in our science classes for a week. Once we’re finished with them in class the students will be able to take them home.
CAN I SEE THIS IN ACTION?
Sure! Here’s a video from 2011 of students creating, observing, and discussing their Ecocolumns in class.
Sure! Here’s a video from 2011 of students creating, observing, and discussing their Ecocolumns in class.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Parents and students, we’re asking you collect 3 specific types of 2-liter bottles, clean them, cut them, and bring them to school by Wednesday, September 28. Check out this handy set of directions with details on where to make cuts, how to label your bottles, and what to bring to school.
WOW, THIS LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF READING. GIVE ME THE BASICS.
1) Get 3 2-liter bottles
2) Cut them according to the directions
3) Clean them. Take off labels.
4) Label them A, B, C, and put your child’s name on them in an out of the way place (initials are fine)
5) Put in plastic bag and send to school by Wednesday, September 28
6) Email Mr. Saunders to sign up as a volunteer for Tuesday, October 4 from 8:00 – 10:00 AM in the gym
2) Cut them according to the directions
3) Clean them. Take off labels.
4) Label them A, B, C, and put your child’s name on them in an out of the way place (initials are fine)
5) Put in plastic bag and send to school by Wednesday, September 28
6) Email Mr. Saunders to sign up as a volunteer for Tuesday, October 4 from 8:00 – 10:00 AM in the gym
CAN I SEE A DIAGRAM OR SOMETHING FOR CUTTING THESE BOTTLES?
Sure!
Sure!
CAN I USE COCA-COLA COMPANY 2-LITERS?
Nope! They changed their bottle style a few years back and they don’t fit together to form airtight chambers like we need the Ecocolumns to come together. Take a look at the differences from old to new. Do you see those grooves and indentations? That’s what we don’t need.
Nope! They changed their bottle style a few years back and they don’t fit together to form airtight chambers like we need the Ecocolumns to come together. Take a look at the differences from old to new. Do you see those grooves and indentations? That’s what we don’t need.
WHAT TYPE OF BOTTLES SHOULD I GET?
Pepsi still uses the same type of bottle style that we need. Local companies like Faygo also use the style we need. You might have good luck using club soda 2-liters.
Pepsi still uses the same type of bottle style that we need. Local companies like Faygo also use the style we need. You might have good luck using club soda 2-liters.
OUR FAMILY DOESN’T DRINK POP. HOW CAN WE GET THE 2-LITER BOTTLES?
You can ask a neighbor, your aunts or uncles, grandparents, friends next door, or another cherished individual if they have any extras you could have. In the past the Gaslight D&W has been known to give away their 2-liter bottles at their bottle return if you ask sweetly and tell them that you need them for science class at Wealthy. If you are really desperate, you could just buy the three cheapest bottles that you can find and empty them out.
You can ask a neighbor, your aunts or uncles, grandparents, friends next door, or another cherished individual if they have any extras you could have. In the past the Gaslight D&W has been known to give away their 2-liter bottles at their bottle return if you ask sweetly and tell them that you need them for science class at Wealthy. If you are really desperate, you could just buy the three cheapest bottles that you can find and empty them out.
DO I NEED A CLEAR SET OF BOTTLES?
Yes! Please don’t use green or pink or whatever tinted bottles. We want all of the available light spectrum to enter your Ecocolumn to help everything grow.
Yes! Please don’t use green or pink or whatever tinted bottles. We want all of the available light spectrum to enter your Ecocolumn to help everything grow.
WHAT ABOUT CLEANING THEM?
They best thing to do is to run the bottles under really hot water for a while. I don’t recommend a cleaning solution unless you use a really mild soap and rinse it like crazy. You definitely don’t want any remains of the pop/soda, and you definitely don’t want any remains of the soap or detergent you used.
They best thing to do is to run the bottles under really hot water for a while. I don’t recommend a cleaning solution unless you use a really mild soap and rinse it like crazy. You definitely don’t want any remains of the pop/soda, and you definitely don’t want any remains of the soap or detergent you used.
Also make sure that the labels are completely off so that your student can see what’s going on in there.
ANY ADVICE FOR CUTTING THE BOTTLES?
Yes! Let a parent help or lead with this step!
Yes! Let a parent help or lead with this step!
First mark where you’ll cut with a ruler and sharpie about 4 times around the outside of your bottle. Then use an x-acto knife or razor to start the cut, and scissors to cut. You can connect the marks to get an even cut.
WHEN DO THE BOTTLES NEED TO COME TO SCHOOL?
We’d like them at school by Wednesday, September 19. Please send them in a plastic bag with your student’s name written in them with a Sharpie. Of course, make sure that they name is written small so that it’s not blocking their observations.
We’d like them at school by Wednesday, September 19. Please send them in a plastic bag with your student’s name written in them with a Sharpie. Of course, make sure that they name is written small so that it’s not blocking their observations.
THIS SOUNDS AWESOME. CAN I COME HELP OUT?
Sure! Please send Mr. Saunders an email and let him know that you’re willing to lend a hand. We’re looking for at least 20 adults who are interested in helping out from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 26. We’ll be working in the gym that morning.
Sure! Please send Mr. Saunders an email and let him know that you’re willing to lend a hand. We’re looking for at least 20 adults who are interested in helping out from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 26. We’ll be working in the gym that morning.
There’s no limit to the number of parents who can come join us. Grandparents are also welcome to come along! Please make sure that you have a volunteer form completed in the office first!
WAIT, WHEN IS IT AGAIN?
Wednesday, September 26, from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
Wednesday, September 26, from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
WHO IS PAYING FOR THIS?
Our fabulous PTO provides all of our living materials and animals for us, and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support.
Our fabulous PTO provides all of our living materials and animals for us, and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support.
