GYROSCOPES: Students discover how the gyroscopic effect can help them steer a bicycle then they make their own gyroscopic top and try to make it spin as long as possible.
SOUND EFFECTS: Students discover the feel and sound of vibrations. We explore the dangers of loud headphone music. Students get to create many decibel levels outside.
ROLLER COASTERS: In this lesson, split foam tubes, marbles and tape are the construction materials students use to make roller coasters. In the process, they discover how potential energy can be repeatedly converted into kinetic energy and back again. As well, they learn some of the actual dynamics of roller coasters.
CATAPULTS: Using craft sticks, rubber bands and low temperature glue guns, students learn a simple way of converting mechanical energy into kinetic energy by creating simple catapults that will launch pom-poms across the room.
DESTRUCTIVE TESTING: Students test the strength of materials with their own hands. Stretchable plastic films, bullet-proof vest thread, mylar film, untearable paper, and very soft metal wire.
Students create a magnetic creatures and habitats for them to "live" in using magnets and a variety of art materials. As students play with their magnetic creatures, they discover the magnetic concepts of attraction, repulsion, and polarity.
February 2009
ELECTRICITY
Story: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA"
By: John McChesney
In a cooperative exercise, students learn the basics of making an electric circuit as they discover what happens when colored holiday lights are hooked up in series and in parallel. They also get to check a wide variety of materials to see if they are conductors.
March 2009
KITCHEN CHEMISTRY I
Story: "ENCHANTED FOREST"
By: John McChesney
Students discover a weird goop made from corn starch that acts as a solid and a liquid. Then, they compare it to a rubbery material made from Elmer's glue and Boraxo (GAK).
April 2009
KITCHEN CHEMISTRY II
Story: "CAULDRON OF EVERLASTING LIFE"
By: John McChesney
Students make a common metal dissolve with vinegar. Then, they discover what happens when red cabbage juice is mixed with an acid and a base.
May 2009
HEAT CONDUCTION
Story: "FROSTY THE SNOWMAN"
By: John McChesney
HEAT CONDUCTION: Discover what makes a good heat insulator and conductor as you experiment with a wide variety of materials. Jack and Jill have to protect Frosty the Snowman from evil Mister Fred and will use liquid crystal sheets to help them find the perfect material for Frosty's new suit.
June 2009
LASERS & MIRRORS
Story: "THE HAUNTED HOUSE"
By: John McChesney
LASERS AND MIRRORS: Students use their reflections in plastic mirrors to discover how to make a million eyes, a 'tunnel' through the desk, periscopes, kaleidoscopes, and how the 'fun house' mirrors work. A laser is used to show the light path. This lesson works best in rooms that can be darkened.
