Each student had an opportunity to research, plan and demonstrate a new experiment for their classmates. Such fun!
Semester Long Projects
We completed two semester long projects: measuring corn stem/leaves and roots and decomposing leftovers!
Intro to Energy Sources
One of our last projects is about energy sources. The students each researched one of the ten sources. Then using "junk" their team created a "model" of that energy being used in our town. Miss Sinn's volunteer photographer took some pictures of the students hard at work or not so much!!! Then we sure enjoyed having all those who toured our energy town - Voltage City!!!
Egghead Scientists
After choosing a scientist, we determined questions to answer about their lives. Then after spending time researching for these details, we created eggheads for each scientist.
Seesaw Candles
We had a bit of time between testing...to try this experiment. We could clearly see when one end of the seesaw had more mass!!!
Creating with Technology
As we finish our prep for the AIR science tests, each group used their Legos, technology and creative minds to create a series of slides to share about a given science topic from our standards. Great fun even while we are reviewing!
Space Presentations
After spending time researching facts about a given celestial body, each student put together a presentation of facts for their peers. Some used technology and others created 3D models to share their new information. Those in the audience recorded the main idea and details including their helpful suggestions.
Is There any Sign of Life?!
One aspect of space exploration is looking for signs of life. So we tried to simulate that by adding salt, baking powder, and yeast to three different cups of sand. After spending time in a cool environment, we added warm sugar water. The yeast mixture sure gave us observations of life!!!!
Making Rockets
Another aspect of space exploration is rocket making. For our first trials, we followed the basic plan. After multiple trials, we then create different versions to increase the reliability of our rockets to launch.
Making Craters
As we continue our space exploration activities, we made craters. Our "meteors" were dropped from 20, 40, 80 and 100 cm. Then we measured the diameters of the craters and the spray which was created. After that we drew several conclusions.
Vomit Comet As we learn about space exploration, we participated in an activity to simulate to a small degree activity in space. Thankfully we didn't experience any vomit!!!
Sound Energy
We are focusing our attention on sound energy. We have learned that vibration are necessary and the pitch can be changed. Such noise and fun!!!! The fifth grade band members demonstrated their musical skills by playing different pitches on their instruments! Then we tried to reduce the volume or amplitude of our timers by placing them inside a layer of different materials.
Designing Labs
We are spending time designing labs to accomplish a goal that Miss Sinn has given us. First our challenge was to move a load 180 cm. Then our next challenge was to test the strength of post it notes. Another lab we designed involved applying a force to move a cotton ball. So we determined the procedure steps, carried them out, drew conclusions and created graphs.
Action vs. Reaction As we learn more about motion and force, we focused on activities that work on action and reaction!!
Speed vs. Load Lab Here we observe and discuss the variables which affect the motion of vehicles during this lab. More mass with same force and same track equals a longer time. Then after recording data we learned about motion time graphs. Finally we wrote stories pasting in the graphs when that motion and time occurred in the story.
Design with Legos
To test concepts and demonstrate our understanding of our vocabulary for our physical science unit, we are using Legos which were purchased for us from a local business!!! Here are pictures of us in the create and test stages! Then we added pictures of our demonstrations of vocabulary words.
Physical Science
We have begun our unit on work, force and motion. These students used the ipads to review vocabulary from the unit. You will also see several groups of students who brought in every day items which are simple machines which help make our work easier! We also demonstrated several experiments showing inertia.
Light Reflection and Shadows: As we continue our study of light, we created periscopes and shadows. Then we participated in a virtual lab to reflect light through a maze!
Also notice the picture of the light and dark cloth on the snowdrift!!! So much more has melted under the dark, wonder why?!!? :)
Using a Prism
We created a "rainbow of colors"!! Such fun to see all of the spectrum: ROYGBIV!!! Now we know how that happens!!
Light Refraction
As we learn about the travel of light waves, we observed that light causes the items to be refracted!!! So cool!!
Rays of Light
As we learn more about light energy, we sprinkled powder in a ray of light to show the rays as they shone in the darkened gym!
Time Zones and Seasons:
We have been learning about causes of the time zones and wet/dry seasons around the world. So Miss Sinn organized a Skype session with her aunt who lives in Tokyo, Japan!!! It was very informative to visit with her! Thankful that she was able to adjust her schedule to enable us to chat with her.
Space Unit:
We are learning about our star, the sun, and the other celestial bodies in our universe. Here we created our own constellations.
Hive:
As we finish our study of the interactions in ecosystems, we got this special treat. This hive was found, removed and stored by Mrs. Schlatter's family. This week she brought it in for us to explore! WOW!!!!
Creating Ecosystems:
We have learned about the cycles which occur in ecosystems. Now we are putting that knowledge together and forming a self-sustaining ecosystem. Here are parts and samples.
Action:
As we learn about the roles of organisms in an ecosystem, we realize that humans cause damage to ours. So we spent just a few minutes to pick up trash around our school grounds. Please help us and the other organisms here by putting trash in its proper place!!!
Ecosystem Energy Flow
We demonstrated how each aspect of an ecosystem relies on the others. Here we are relating the main aspects of a food web before the dramatic ending!!!
Giant Producer
With corn growing close at hand, we used the two stalks that Miss Sinn brought into class. We learned about the thousands of products that are created with some aspect of corn. I reviewed the photosynthesis process and viewed the parts as we identify them.
Studying Photosynthesis
We are learning about the importance of photosynthesis in the survival of an ecosystem. So we each brought in an item from home to relate to some aspect of direct connection to photosynthesis!!!
Closing the Stomata:
Miss Sinn spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly over two of these leaves. Now we wait for a couple of days to see the affect of our action!!!
Collecting Samples:
Tatum and her family traveled to St. Louis. Along their way, they gathered soil samples and water sample for us to examine!!!! THANKS SO MUCH!
Parts of Producers
As we learn about the movement of energy through an ecosystem, we studied the parts of a plant. Here we are starting two activities about leaves and stems.
Oh, Deer!
In our study of changes in ecosystems, we became deer and their needs(water, food and shelter). As Miss Sinn changed the factors within the ecosystem, our population of deer increased and decreased!!!
Square of Life
We spent time outside observing interactions between organisms and other things in their ecosystem. Then we submitted the data online. Later we will be able to compare our results with those from other school around the world!!!
Using the Engineering Design Cycle:
Miss Sinn gave us the challenge to move water quickly! Given a plastic cup, we modified it with tin foil, plastic wrap, cardboard, wax paper and/or duct tape! Here are the results.
Science Tools:
We created our first design with our new Kre-O kit pieces! Miss Sinn gave a certain volume, length, and weight for each design. Through several trials and putting to use the science tools, we accomplished our goal. We shared our trial information with Miss Sinn on Google docs!
Science All Around Us!
We were challenged to find something that "relates" to science and write about the connection using as many vocabulary words as possible. Lots of science around us!
Working during the first day of switching classes... either completing a questionnaire on Google or creating a picture of a scientist!