Summer SAVY, Session 4 Day 1, “Creative Contraptions: A Study of Inventions” (1st-2nd)
We had a fantastic first day here at Creative Contraptions! We spent a little time this morning getting to know one another and then jumped right into our studies. We started with a discussion of “What is a Scientist?” We brainstormed ideas such as “they make observations, ask questions, and conduct experiments.” We came up with examples of scientists (biologists, paleontologists, geologists), as well as non-examples (poets, bankers, movie stars). Ask your student what they would want to investigate if they were a scientist. Share with your student what you would choose to study or do if you were a scientist.
We had a morning snack break and then read The Crow and the Pitcher. The students answered questions about the story by playing a game called “Mix and Mingle”. This is a game similar to musical chairs. The students move around the room, and when the music stops, they pair up with the student nearby and answer a question. Then the music starts again. In the story, the crow was conducting an investigation. We shared some of the times that we have investigated. We discussed the investigation process and how we will apply it this week to explore simple machines, force and motion, and compound machines.
We took a midday break for our lunch, followed by some indoor games. We are hopeful that the weather will cooperate for outdoor play tomorrow!
Following our break, students were given a toy car to explore. In small groups, students were given a picture of a car and asked to label the parts. We discussed what is necessary for the car to move, what must go in, and what must come out. We used the car and the following generalizations to learn about systems: Systems have parts. Systems have boundaries. Systems have both inputs and outputs. The interactions and outputs of a system change when its inputs and outputs, elements, or boundaries change.
We had an afternoon snack, and then it was time to experiment! We investigated force and motion with small cars and ramps. We used our senses to observe and our scientific thinking as the cars traveled down the ramp on different surfaces. The students kept track of their data to determine if the car moved more quickly on a smooth or bumpy surface. Ask your student to share another way that they could investigate force, motion, and speed at home.
We had such an amazing first day, and I can’t wait to see everyone back tomorrow! We will continue our hands-on investigations using cars on day two. See you in the morning!