Geocaching
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Eureka Science is a PTA funded, parent/teacher run science program that provides each student in Kindergarten through 5th grade hands-on science experience. This specially written program for Katy ISD supplements the science lessons that are taught and reinforces the classroom curriculum. These sessions provide hands-on fun and practical science experimentation studying topics specific to their age level. In February, 2014 5th graders were excited to participate in one of the Eureka classes titled “The Mystery of the Sandwich Swiper.”
The Mystery of the Sandwich Swiper
Which 5th grade teacher ate Mrs. Spier's sandwich? Mrs. Spier’s lunch was taken from the Teachers Lounge and in its place was a poison pen letter taunting, "Ha ha, ate your lunch!" The 5th grade students are told the backstory and are charged with helping discover the culprit using forensic science experiments and clues. First, students explore GPS navigation and learn how satellites transmit to GPS receivers. Then, by using the GPS receivers to track waypoints, they find and collect clues hidden throughout the JWE Backyard. Once the students discover the clues, they take them to the science lab to analyze and conduct forensic science experiments. They use footprint analysis, ink chromatography, biometrics and the power of deduction to find the culprit.