Go Carts!

Spontaneous Problem: Name things you would want a robot to do for you.
Boundary Breaker: Interpret the meaning of this quote: "The best way to predict the future is to invent it" - Allan Kay

Today we wrapped up our black box investigation by answering reflection questions and comparing group models to help us land on a scientific consensus.  We then moved to looking at models and design in the development of the automobile.  Students read the article " Early Autos" to learn the history of their development.  They then began the design of their own free rolling go carts that they will revise and race in coming weeks.

Our Habit of Mind focus today was on striving for accuracy and precision.  Students followed detailed steps to complete a calculator magic trick landing them on the digits of their birthday.

Second graders played the game Race in Base.  They used the game cards to make trades in base 10 and then in base 3.  By playing both versions of the game, students were able to draw comparisons between the two systems.

Third graders used Egyptian hieroglyphics to calculate sums and differences and explored difficulties stemming from a system that does not have a symbol for zero.

We also got to spend some time reflecting on our field study experiences and practicing in our brain stretcher packet.

Discovery Place

We had an amazing day with this great crew at Discovery Place!  We began with a computer programming class where students set their robots to accomplish various challenges and follow their commands!  In our catapults class, we learned about the laws of motion and got to design our own launching devices.  Exploring the museum, students were able to explore many simple machines in the Cool Stuff lab.  They also had the chance to experience virtual reality, learn some ancient history, and get their hands wet in the aquarium.  They were all impressed with the IMAX experience which fit perfectly with our archaeology focus from earlier in the year.  They also enjoyed the live performance of "Zapped"  where they got to meet Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla and learn about their inventions in the field of electric current.

 

Take 17

Spontaneous Problem:  Name things that make work easier.
Boundary Breaker: What is something that you think will not exist in 20 years?  Why will it be unnecessary and what will take its place?

Today student took their conceptual black box models and built them into physical models to test. As they gathered more information from their prototypes, they drafted new versions of the model to build. They collaborated and compared models with classmates, honed their senses as observers, and demonstrated persistence on their many attempts!

We took some time for self reflection and goal setting and also review expectations and details for our upcoming Discovery Place field study.

Second graders practiced subtraction and regrouping in base 3 as well as how to read numbers and covert between systems!