| Science Experiments ~ Variables Pendulums & Lifeboats |
| We have been conducting controlled experiments and changing one variable at a time. We learned that the length of the string is the variable that determines the number of swings. Other variables include release position and mass (number of pennies.) Pendulums have been studied for many centuries, and first recognized by Italian physicist and astronomer Galileo Galilei. He thought a pendulum could be used for timekeeping. But it was Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens who put this idea into action. He was credited for creating what we know today as a grandfather clock. |
| Swingers |
| Lifeboats |
| Another VARIABLES unit we have been studying is "Building Lifeboats." Students constructed 4 different boats and are finding out how many passengers (pennies) can fit in each boat. Generally, the bigger the boat, the more load it can carry. The two variables we are looking at are amount of mass and distribution of mass. We are also learning about buoyancy and displacement. Students used graduated cylinders to measure capacity. |
| Every teammember has a job ~ messenger, reporter, recorder, timekeeper, and monitor. Everyone participates! |
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| Terrific Teamwork! |