March 16-20

Science Update

This week in science we continued to test different materials. 

First, we looked at the idea of stability. To demonstrate this we used a variety of different sized containers - tall and narrow, short and wide, tall and wide, etc. We made a shelf and tipped it slowly - observing which containers tipped first and last. Students quickly decided that the containers with a larger base - had more stability and were less likely to tip. We further discussed the idea that the taller a structure - the wider the base must be. 

Next, we looked at choosing ways to join materials. Students were asked to test three different straw cubes - all joined with different materials: paper clips, plasticine and pipe cleaners - to see which held the most mass. Then they tested toothpick cubes joined with plasticine, marshmallows and puffed cereal. We discussed that different materials have different properties - flexibility, strength - and when engineers choose things to fasten structures together - they have to look at these properties to determine the best choice of materials. We talked about when we do crafts - we might use different types of adhesives for different reasons, duck tape versus scotch tape; white glue versus a glue stick. 

Social Studies

In social studies, we continued to explore how communities work together to make decisions by looking at the final two countries: India and Ukraine. Students discovered that India is the only country that we are studying that has a Prime Minister like Canada. We discussed that we share similar history in the fact that we were both colonies of Great Britain. 

Students began working on an assignment in which they needed to use the information that we have been reading and discussing together, by using the text books to complete a brochure on how the four communities work together. Students were paired up and I tried to have them work a little more independently to see if they could gather the required information to complete their assignment. It was definitely a learning experience - as some of the students just want to be told the answer if they cannot remember it. We are working on their gathering information skills.

Healthy Hearts

In healthy hearts we have been starting to go outside and have been enjoying the nice weather with the melting of the snow. It's been great to get out with them and watch them enjoy running and I am happy to say we have figured out a game that they all seem to enjoy: Everyone's It Tag. Unfortunately towards the end of the week - it was a little ugly outside - but we found another great way to get moving in the classroom - and also an activity that everyone enjoys taking part in: Freeze Dance. Too much fun!!!

Have a fabulous week!