Joke of the Day!!

Where do you put dirty dishes? 

In the zinc

Forces and Motion

It's been a while since I have updated the classroom Science Blog!!  We have started our new unit- Forces and Motion.  So far, we have learned that Motion is relative!  We learned about position, distance, and reference points.

Last week we looked further into speed, graphing speed, and velocity.  This week we will continue learning about Motion as we dive into acceleration!  

Velocity, Speed, and Acceleration Song!!

Some questions to think about... 

How are speed, velocity, and acceleration related?

When would knowing velocity be important and not just speed?

What are some examples of speed and velocity in our everyday lives?

Skate Park Basis

Check out the Energy Skate Park Basics Simulation we used in the classroom.  Explore some of the features we didn't get to try in class.

Energy Skate Park Basics

Energy Roller Coasters!!

We just finished our Energy Performance Tasks.  Students worked hard to create working roller coasters out of simple materials such as foam pipe insulation, cups, and paper towel rolls, to show off knowledge of the energy concepts we learned this unit.  

I am proud of the work that students accomplished as they persevered through working in a science team, creating outstanding and working roller coasters, and even put together an enjoyable presentation.  

Most of the roller coasters were safe, leaving the marble to come to a slow stop and did not fall off the track.  Students were creative and demonstrated quality work.  I can't wait to see some of my students follow their dreams of becoming successful engineers one day!


Want to try this project again at home?  Here is a resource to get you started 

Roller Coasters

Extra Credit: How was energy conserved on a roller coaster?

Energy!!

We just started our second unit on Energy!  We have learned about Potential (stored) and Kinetic (moving) energy.  We also started to dive into some common forms of Energy.  We set up a class pendulum and learned that Kinetic Energy can never be greater than Potential Energy. (WOW!!) 

We also discovered that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be changed/transferred/converted into other forms of energy.  Exploring that when the potential energy is at its highest is when the kinetic energy is at its lowest has been exciting!

Want to review or learn more?  Watch the Bill Nye Energy videos or explore some energy changes on Brain Pop.

Bill Nye Part 1
Bill Nye Part 2
Bill Nye Part 3
Forms of Energy

What are some common forms of energy you use everyday?  Do you notice any energy changes that happen around you? (Comment for Extra Credit)

Discussion Question

If you were a Matter Superhero with any power related to Matter- what would it be?  What would your superhero name be?  How could your Superhero help the world?

Example:
If I were a superhero with any power related to matter, my Superhero name would be, The Super Changer.  The Super Changer would have the ability to change chemical changes into physical changes.    She can stop any matter from chemically bonding.  The Super Changer could help the world by preventing matter that could react and explode, such as bombs . 

Love the comments- keep them coming!  (Extra Credit for commenting!)

Science Joke of the Day!!

A neutron walks into a restaurant and orders a slice of pizza. As she is about to leave, she asks the waiter how much she owes.  The waiter replies, "For you, No Charge!!!"

Get it?