Today we did some hands-on application and testing of building materials as part of our science unit. After categorizing building materials and their properties (see above), we were able to test properties of various kinds of paper. Students built schoolhouses out of a variety of newsprint, construction paper, sticky notes, tissue paper, and fastening materials. The Big, Bad Wolf was off on other adventures, so to test the durability of the structures, we used a hairdryer to simulate a gentle puff of air and a tornado-force, wolf-sized huff and puff and blow your schoolhouse down.
We also conducted tests on the durability and limitations of a variety of plastics by stretching and ripping them. Ask your child which kind of garbage bag has the most flexibility. The final materials project used a mechanical distillation tower to sort different sizes of ball bearings to simulate sorting hydrocarbons in an industrial application.
Thanks to our parent volunteer who brought his work expertise to share with us and who led these material testing projects. What an awesome day!
In math this week, we continued our work on fractions and division. Next week we move on to measurement (time, length and width) and the passage of time.
Literacy included Daily 5, writing, and wordwork. Our readaloud book is Wonder by R. J. Palacio, which has students deeply engaged in a story about a kid who is different and how he copes.
Social continued work on journeys to schools around the world, global citizenship and education. Next week, we will combine science and social to build prototypes of ways for children to get to school around the world. Everyone will make a boat/raft or a bridge. Please have students collect and bring in building materials for this science/social inquiry project (recycled materials only: paper, cardboard, bottles, plastics, popsicle sticks) no wood or metal allowed; limited use of popsicle sticks. Projects will be entirely built at school.
In art we made fraction kites and completed tree weavings: both projects look great!
Next week:
Tuesday is inline skating
Wed: Clay for Kids at school < need more volunteers (2-3 more)
Please collect and hang on to bottles and cans for a school-wide bottle drive to support the Save the ocean initiative - details forthcoming.