Our main focus in science this quarter is on developing models to explain our thinking. Our scientific investigation based on the question, “Why do dead things disappear over time?” is in full swing and our class of scientists are doing an incredible job modeling what they have been figuring out.

So far, the 5th grade scientists have come to the conclusion that flies are a huge factor in causing dead animals to disappear over time. To look into this more, we have been watching many videos on flies and researching the life cycle of a fly. Once the 5th grade scientists felt that they had a strong understanding of the life cycle, they each created a model to show and explain each stage. This allowed the class to conclude that the flies lay their eggs on the dead animal, once the eggs hatch, maggots eat the animal for nourishment and growth. Once the maggots have grown, they develop hard shells over their bodies where they can fully develop into a fly. Then, the process starts all over again (the life cycle!!!!).

So we are done, right? We figured out that maggots eat the dead animal causing it to disappear. BUT….remember, our driving question is “Why do dead things disappear over time?” Sure, we might have a pretty strong understanding of what happens to dead animals over time, but what about other dead living things? Hmmm…

Soooooo, the 5th grade scientists then started to brainstorm other things that die. Our top contender was plants (trees, flowers, etc). Scientists were asked to go home and think about ways we could investigate what happens to these dead plants over time.

I am sad we do not have science again until Monday because I am so excited to hear ideas for our next investigation from our 5th grade scientists!

Check out some of their awesome fly life cycle models below!

-Gev. McAdams