Summer SAVY 2023 Session 1, Day 2 – Creative Contraptions (Dunbar)
Day 2: Today students continued their experience of using the scientific method to solidify their hypotheses by testing how creating ramps, which were connected to incline planes, affects distance. We also explored the differences between discoveries, inventions, and innovations and how early inventors influence products we use today. Students learned that many inventions were created to solve a problem. An overview of simple machines was given and students explored incline planes and some of the ways they are used and looked at examples. They begin brainstorming how they could solve a problem by creating an invention.
Key learning today was that data is skewed when conducting experiments if variables are different. Students built ramps and measured differences in the distance as the height changed. There were large discrepancies in the data so we examined how the cars were tested.
Students were surprised that how the testing was done affected the results across groups and a standard way of testing was implemented and the data was similar across groups. They really persevered and worked together well to come up with ways to make the experiment more valid and reliable. Students were given various materials to explore creating something that includes at least one simple machine. Some examples of their creations are included. They exhibited great teamwork and incorporated many things discussed yesterday! This group of students makes teaching this so fun.
Extension to learning: Have them identify simple machines around them and explain how they make a task easier.