Thanks to a wonderful group of little scientists, we are off to a wonderful start! Learning what a scientist is, some of the different things they study, and the method they use to gather their findings kicked off the creative contraptions class. Students then practiced going through the scientific method to investigate what makes a car go faster, slower, and stop using various materials to conduct experiments. Students also connected findings to scientific vocabulary when we explored potential and kinetic energy and force, motion and friction. They also identified and provided authentic examples of energy and movement concepts.

Some take aways from today as they conducted their experiments, recorded data, and drew conclusions in groups were that the groups that worked together well were the most successful. They provided examples and non-examples of what that looks like and had some honest reflections in their journals of what went well in the group and what they need to strengthen. Their findings and conceptual understanding through investigations using the scientific method were impressive. Key findings were that friction is lowest on smooth surfaces and that we use friction to slow down movement.

Some extension questions: 

➔ What makes a person a scientist and what are the processes in the scientific method? 

➔ What are some examples of when friction is purposely used? 

➔ How is it applied?

Ms. Jodi Dunbar