al-mofhariz

Sometimes, science is all about experiments.  Sometimes it is not...case in point:  Space!  Scientists who want to learn about the planets and moons in our solar system and beyond have to rely on new and exiting methods of exploration. So how do space scientists make conclusions about objects in space?  They use models... One model is to visualize the size of something.  We started by visualizing a sphere we could hold, then a sphere the size of the room, then the sphere the size of the school, then a sphere the size of our town.  Visualizing is like making a model in your mind. Another model used is a globe model .  Scientists and students can use the globe model to recreate rotation as well as revolution around the sun.  Having the students manipulate the globe allows them to experience rotation as well as revolution - two difficult concepts. The third model we have been talking about is a model of the planet's surface .  Right now, the Mar...

Okay, after my day of play...I am back to thinking about science.  Today we began our Ecosystems unit by building a model of a schoolyard environment. First we brainstormed what things we might put in our model - at first the kids said "a playground"  but I quickly told them this is a science model and we have to think small.  Eventually we got around to mentioning the three components that I had planned on: grass, soil and worms.  Next we got into our small science groups where everyone has a job.  Getter 1 came and got the materials, Starter knew they would be first to start the job, Getter 2 would clean up and Reporter knew they would share out at the end.  The cutest thing happened as we were building our models...the kids said, "Let's turn out the lights so the worms will feel more comfortable while they are digging."  So we did...and we joyfully and silently watching the worms dig deep in the soil.    After we finished setti...