From Revolving Surfaces and Inclined Planes (From Magnets to Magic Mixtures)

Today, we experimented with revolving surfaces and inclined planes.

Spin Art

We worked in small groups and experienced colors, patterns and centrifugal forces while using salad spinners: A paper plate was placed into a salad spinner. We added paint (different colors) with a spoon and then took turns spinning the salad spinner to create interesting patterns. 

 
We also practiced the following:

• Waiting our turn
• Taking turns
• Requesting, passing and sharing materials
• Helping each other, e.g., holding the salad spinner while our partner was spinning it.

Bowling and the Inclined Plane: Bowling is one of our favorite activities but today, we did it with a little twist. We placed a ball on an inclined plane and then let the ball roll down to knock over as many bowling pins as possible. We figured out quickly that the steeper the slope is, the faster the ball rolled down. We used self-made bowling pins, i.e., soda or water bottles that were filled with colored water.

Some ideas for interactive strategies while bowling:

• Group cheers for peer.
• Peer gives high fives to team members when roll is completed.
• Peer hands ball to peer to indicate whose turn it is next.
• Two peers work together and put up the bowling pins after they are knocked over.
• One peer keeps score for the group.
• Group works cooperatively to reach a certain score.

Magnets (From Magnets to Magic Mixtures)

Music Time “Magnets Attract”: We discussed that magnets attract and pretended to be magnets. Magnets were spread out on the floor. First, we danced around to music. When the music stopped, we found a magnet to stand on. The magnets were positioned in a way so that two students were facing each other. The partners then let certain body parts touch (e.g., hands to hands, knee to knee) pretending to be magnets.

Small Group Project “Magnet Painting”: We worked in teams and created paintings using magnets, paint and paper: 

1. Place and tape a sheet of plexiglas (approximately 11x14) on two large wooden blocks so that there is enough room under the plexi to move hands. 
2. Tape a piece of paper onto the plexi.
3. Place blobs of paint (different colors work best) on the paper.
4. Place magnet balls (1 for each child) on the plexi.
5. Move another magnet (1 for each child) against the underside of the plexi.

Magnet painting is not only a fun activity that lets everyone experience magnetism but is also a great project to promote teamwork and cooperative play. Here are some ideas:

• Students follow or chase each other, e.g., one student takes the lead by moving the magnet ball in one direction and the partner tries to follow.
• Students negotiate what patterns they want to create.
• Students let their magnets attract and paint as a team.

What attracts? We experimented with different materials and determined what objects attract to magnets. We looked for magnetic items in a bin filled with sand with the help of a magnetic wand. We then placed the items that are magnetic on a green paper and the ones that are not on a red piece of paper.

 

The Magical Liquid Water (From Magnets to Magic Mixtures)

Art Project “Wet on Wet Painting”: Today, we experimented with watercolors. We dipped a sheet of watercolor paper in a tray with water and then let the water drain off it. We then painted with watercolors on the wet surface and watched the colors blend and blur. 

Busy at work

“The Leaking Cup”  Race: We partnered up with a friend. A bin with water as well as 2 yogurt cups with a hole were placed at the start line and one bin with a bottle and a funnel at the finish line. We lined up at the start line and filled our leaky cups with water from the bin. We had to run as fast as possible to the finish line to fill the bottle. Then, we ran back to the start line and handed the cup off to the next players. The game continued until the bottle at the finish line was filled with water. Before we started the race, we brainstormed what we had to do to compensate for the hole in the cup (e.g., run fast, cover the whole with a finger). It was a fun game and we also practiced cheering.

Hot Lava and Volcanos (from Magnets to Magic Mixtures)

Music Time “Dance on a Volcano” (adapted “Freeze Game”): Volcanos were spread out on the floor and the students danced around the volcanos when the music played. We discussed that lava is very hot and that we can’t step on the volcanos. The kids then “froze” according to the song but needed to pay attention not to step on the volcanos.

Art Project "Lava Collage": We created a lava collage by painting a big piece of paper in the colors of lava/fire. We also added tissue paper in red/orange/yellow. We all worked together and negotiated how to best create the lava collage.

Instant Volcanos: Of course, a session about volcanos would not be complete without creating instant volcanos with baking soda, vinegar and Kool-aid (see 8/16/11 for specific instructions). We loved watching the "eruptions." 

A Big Eruption!!!