Lava Lamp Lab

As part of our matter science unit, we learned about density. To show how liquids have different densities, we created "lava lamps". Students did a great job and learned that oil is less dense than water.

First students carefully filled a water bottle with 1/4 water and 3/4 oil.

Then they added 5 drops of food coloring.

Finally, we added an "Alka-seltzer" and watched the reaction.   Groovy!

 

Angles, Polygons, and Geometry, Oh my!

Learning geometry has been a lot of fun and a lot of new vocabulary!  Students worked with a partner to review polygon shapes and angles.  After identifying the shape they had to decide the measure of each angle (without a protractor) based on what they have learned about right angles, obtuse angles, and acute angles and write down their thinking.  They worked hard and used fantastic reasoning skills!

Expository Writing

The last few weeks, students have been researching interesting topics for their expository writing pieces.  Students have been using computer resources and good old fashioned books to find information about their topics.  Students have been using a graphic organizer to keep their information organized.  Over the next few weeks, students will conference with me, revise and edit their pieces, and finally write their papers!

Geometry Project

In math, students are hard at work learning geometry terms.  To apply their knowledge of the new vocabulary, students created a poster for each term.  They had to create an example of angles and lines using toothpicks, give the definition of the term, and then find a "real world" example from a magazine.  Check out their hard work!

Taking a Look at Nooks

Recently, our school library purchased 15 Nooks for students to check out!  Students are able to check out ebooks from Lindbergh resources using the Nooks or their own ereader.  Each class is taking turns using and learning about the Nook.  Students had a great time using the new technology!

Can you make a lightbulb light?

Students were given a challenging task in science today.  Using only a battery, foil, 2 pieces of tape, and a small light bulb they had to create a circuit to make the light bulb light up.  They were eager to get started.

 

At first,they came up with some creative ideas. 

After 30 minutes.....

Then we had light. Our challenge was a success.  Each student was able to create a circuit and light a light bulb.

 

Experimenting with Static Electricity

Today we learned about static electricity. Students rubbed cloth on a balloon to build up a negative charge on the balloon.

Then we put some puffed rice on our desks to see if the balloon would attract them. If the rice had a positive charge, it would be attracted to the balloon.  If the rice had a negative charge it would repel.  Here is what happened!

Then we had some fun experimenting with our own hair!