In many of our activities we encourage students to create and construct projects (primarily using recycled materials, of course!) that demonstrate the science they are learning. As part of this we reinforce the Engineering Process: Design & Identify needed materials Construction Testing Modifications/Improvements Communication of results
Community Science Workshops
At our After-School Enrichment program at John Muir Elementary, we recently had a great time playing … I mean learning … about dry ice and how it sublimes directly from solid to gas. The kids got to put the dry ice in a tub of water (using protective gloves, […]
Today at one of our school site CSWs, kids followed 3 different recipes for bubble solution. They then made polyhedral bubble wands (which is surprisingly calming – so much focus!!) With 15 minutes left in the workshop, we tested out each solution, students finally stood behind their favorite and explained […]
We’ve been busy getting this year’s CSWs started up. Last week we talked about air pressure & made balloon cars – it was cool to hear students explain why the knew the air would deflate out of a balloon. Sometimes it’s difficult to explain things that we just know to […]
We just wrapped up our second year making Gak with students at John Muir. Approximately 400 students, TK – 5th grade made and explored the fascinating Non-Newtonian fluid. Class discussions included examples and descriptions of liquids, solids and gases. Upper grades also talked about polymers, molecules, elements, chemicals, and chemical reactions. […]