Learning Highlights from our first week in 2018

Dear parents:

January 8-12 Learning Highlights:

As you know we began learning about simple machines before the break.  

Here are some photos of us prototyping simple machines using kinex as a material:

  So... This month we are continuing our inquiry into simple machines how important they are in our everyday lives. In fact, if you stop and look they are absolutely everywhere in the world.  Without simple machines we would not have complex machines.  Here is a website for you to read with your child at home to learn more about simple machines:  http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-simple-machines/.  This is an opportunity to practice reading digital text, to find information using non-fiction text clues such as headings, diagrams, the bold type that is hyperlinked to build deeper understanding.

This week we reviewed the fact that simple machines make work easier.  The formula for Work = Force X Distance or (W=F X D).

Science Learner Expectations:  

Construct a mechanical device for a designated purpose. Explore and evaluate variations to the design of a mechanical device.
To test out our background knowledge and understanding of how simple machines work, next Tuesday we are going to attempt to build a Rube Goldberg machine with Ms. Willis's class.  This is a circuit of simple machines that are placed together to complete a job of some sort (e.g. open an umbrella, turn on the lights, make some toast).    Here are a couple of links to videos for you have a look at.  Small rubegoldberg machine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=863z_eHGIJw
Feed Your Dog rubegoldberg machine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHwDf8njVfo&t=2s

Supplies for the machines:  We've asked students to bring in any items from home that they would like to include such as hot wheel tracks, golf balls, dominoes, toy cars, train tracks, empty paper towel rolls, ping pong balls, etc.  These items will be returned after the machines are deconstructed.  Thank you. 

Another big highlight this week has been learning skipping techniques in Physical  Education.  It was inspiring to see how practice made progress many students were able to build their skill set.  Here are some photos of students in action.