Spring Saturday SAVY, Week 2, Harry Potter: The Science Behind the Magic (5th-6th)
This week in wizarding school, our young wizards continued their learning journey in Potions Class. We compared medicines from the muggle world to potions in the wizarding world and discussed how modern medicine can often seem magical. In our Potions Lab, we made our own bubbling brews using our new knowledge of acid-base chemistry.
After Potions Class, students began their first Flying Class! There, we learned about Newton’s laws of motion. We discussed the principles of projectile motion, air resistance, and gravity. After learning about the forces involved in flying, students worked together with their housemates and built a catapult to launch their Snitch! I was impressed with the creativity and reasoning skills they displayed in their design and modification processes. Gryffindor won our launch competition, but every house built a successful catapult.
After a day full of house competitions, Slytherin took the lead in house points. It is still a close race and there are many points to be won during our last day of wizarding school! As your student prepares to take their O.W.L. exams, here are some topics to discuss with them at home:
- Have them explain the differences in Tylenol and Advil.
- Would Tylenol or Advil work better for a swollen ankle?
- Ask your student to identify different acids and bases in your house.
- Have your student think about why some catapult designs worked better than others.
- If they could build another catapult, what would they do differently?
The past two weeks have been so much fun. On our last day, students will go to Herbology Class, take their O.W.L. exams, and compete for the esteemed House Cup. I can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday!
