Interesting Course Reflections

Science - September 22, 2015

Today we did a marshmallow challenge. I must say this was a very interesting tech design project. Students were so excited and could not wait to get there hands on the supplies. Out of the given supplies which were spaghetti, tape, string (wool) and a marshmallow, we were to construct a a structure that would be the tallest one in the class but it would also a regular size marshmallow. This so cool and so much fun and something that I want to use in the classroom because it would be interesting as a teacher to watch the students collaborate and see there ideas they used to make this structure.

This link is an excellent explanation of the marshmallow challenge and a great resource!!!! https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_wujec_build_a_tower#t-8620

This is a group of students who were successful for in making there structure stand with the marshmallow on top.

However, me and my fellow group members were not as successful. :(






Science Fair 

This group decied to complete a volcanic eruption using baking soda and vinegar. This topic was geared for grade 5. 

This group decided to complete a viscosity race. They had the students predict which liquid would run down the tin tray the fastest. We predicted that water would be the fasted followed by oil, dish soap, honey and then the slowest would be molasses. Our prediction was right until honey was slower then molasses. Therefore, the saying "slow as molasses" should be changed "to slow as honey!"

This group decided to make "Goop" from cornstarch and water. This was really cool because as you played with the goop in your hands it was a solid, however, if you let it run through your hands is became liquidity and fell through your hands. 

 My group made slim. This is a great activity to do with students around Halloween because the children get to play with the fun colours especially green. We had our students make the the slim in a plastic sandwich bag in order to keep themselves clean from the food colouring. Our students showed great participation and great teamwork! 





Science Fair Reflection 

This Science Fair was an excellent way to spend the last class. The Fair was also very beneficial to me as a teacher candidate  because as I go into my placement I found great activities and lesson ideas that I could use in my placement that would wow my teacher. My fellow teacher candidates did an amazing job at the science fair and I thank you all for the great science ideas to use in the classroom!