January was filled with hands-on learning experiences. All students learned why huge metal ships can float. They learned words such as buoyancy, density, vessel, and displacement.
Pre-K and Kindergarten
Students investigated sinking and floating coming to conclusions about what type of objects sink and what type of objects float. They also learned about density. They learned that a ball of modeling clay sinks but when shaped like a boat or anything that holds air, it will float. They learned that air helps things float. Students learned all about snow and how snowflakes are made. Then, they engineered their own unique snowflake. They learned that each snowflake is one-of-a-kind just like each person is unique and special.
First Grade, Second Grade, and Third Grade
First, second, and third graders designed and constructed foil floating vessels that would carry the most cargo. (marbles)
After that, they designed boats using a variety of materials at their disposal. The boat had to have a sail, carry ten marbles, and travel from one end of a tub of water to the other end. This challenge allowed students to apply all their previous learned knowledge about sinking, floating, and water displacement. They worked together using problem solving skills. It was so rewarding and fun to see their material choices and how they incorporated them in their prototypes.
First Graders from Mrs. Haslip's class and Mrs. Lenz's class created Chatterpix. It is a talking picture with each student's voice summarizing their learning from their animal unit. Our amazing instructional coach, Mrs. Street, assisted with this fun, enriching project. You can see and listen to them here and here.
Teamwork is a big deal in engineering class. Students learn that they accomplish more together. In the photos above, first graders work as a team to construct the biggest (tallest) snowman ever. Students love it when literature is tied to engineering. In addition, they learned that in order for the snowman to stay standing, it must have a wider, stable foundation.
Third graders began the process of engineering pinewood derby cars. They learned about aerodynamics and car designs that enable cars to go fast. They learned about gravity, friction, and momentum. They planned and drew their car designs creating a blueprint. After that, they transferred their design onto a block of pine wood. Thankfully, the Smithfield High School engineering students are cutting out their designs on the wood.
Third graders will go through the entire design process engineering their pinewood car for a Grand Prix race. We will announce race day in the near future. We are grateful to families that sponsored cars enabling each third grader to design and engineer their own car.
First, second, and third graders learned what makes snow white. They learned how to construct a snowflake similar to a real snowflake. (We were hoping this lesson would encourage it to snow.) :)
January has been packed with lots of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and fun.
Have a wonderful day!
Mrs. Pamela Hall
Comments