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What’s the Matter?
Thursday
Parents,
We hope to see you and other guests at 11:15 a.m. in order to share some fun facts
and demonstrations about matter.
Here is another on-line website that your scientist may enjoy:
http://www.strangematterexhibit.com/
We have had fun covering the basics of physical science this week. I hope it is just
the beginning of years of exploration in chemistry and physics for these very
capable boys and girls.
The world is full of wonders and SAVY camps do a great job of exposing students to
the tools and information they need to build deeper understandings and to develop
talent. Thanks for your participation and support.
We have enjoyed spending time with your sons and daughters this week.
Brenda Huff
Wednesday
Good Afternoon~
Today our young scientists participated in more investigations to find out the characteristics of solids, liquids and gasses and how they interact. They should be able to describe in detail the dancing raisins demonstration and show you a solution of Gleuop which we made in class. We observed our mixtures and solutions from yesterday and discussed how the variable of time effects changes in matter.
Your son or daughter was invited to bring an item for our Mystery Matter activities tomorrow. They may bring any solid that you approve that will fit in shoebox. Make sure it is in a bag when students arrive so it remains a mystery!
Throughout the week we are learning about the basic building blocks of all matter as we study atoms and elements.
Changes in Matter on-line activities :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/9_10/changing_state.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/8_9/solid_liquids_whatnext.shtml
Another Sample of Periodic Table:
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/elem_intro.html
A photo gallery of all the elements:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/periodictableelements/ig/Element-Photo-Gallery.–98/
Have a great rest of the day!
More about matter tomorrow~
Brenda Huff
Tuesday
Parents,
We had another busy morning in “What’s the Matter?”. Students made predictions involving liquids and then we tested and recorded results.
Our scientists have learned what makes up all matter down to the smallest components we know, quarks . Ask your son/daughter to share a few facts.
Suggestions for learning extension at home:
Check out this interactive example of the Periodic Table of Elements:
http://www.webelements.com/
Our students know this valuable resource shows all the types of atoms that have been identified. They are becoming familiar the building blocks of all matter. They still benefit from our adult support when reading this resource. They learning to read and understand this table that physical scientist use in their work.
Perhaps you can put a new variation on your next family game of “I SPY” be sure to include the questions: Is it a solid? Is it a gas? Is it a liquid?
I will suggest optional activities for the campers to try at home each afternoon. Perhaps there is a balloon in your freezer and a proto-type of aluminum foil boat at your house!
Looking forward to more hands-on investigations tomorrow,
Brenda Huff
Monday
Parents,
Our young scientists brought prior knowledge and enthusiasm with them to class today! We had a great start to our week long exploration of matter. The key questions that we will keep coming back to are:
WHAT IS MATTER?
WHAT DO SCIENTISTS DO?
WHAT IS CHANGE?
Through a variety of demonstrations and investigations we will do what Einstein said science is all about….”refining our everyday thinking”.
SAVY classes are committed to exposing students to accelerated content in order to enhance learning and increase understandings. You may like to ask your scientist to share/define some new vocabulary this week including:
QUARK
PLASMA
DENSITY
We will use this website as a reference in class. Your child may be interested in visiting it at home:
www.Brainpop.com
Mrs. Stimson and I are excited about the time with this wonderful group of students this week.
Mrs. Huff