On Thursday and Friday of this week, the 5th graders melded their knowledge of the layers of the Earth and metric system to create two to-scale diagrams of the interior of the Earth. They did the math (using their knowledge of dividing by powers of ten), measured it out (using meter sticks), drew the circles (using standard small and improvised large compasses), and labeled all the sections (using knowledge from science class). The diagrams are looking fabulous and are currently decorating the lower school common space. Great job 5th graders!
Have a great long weekend!
Note from Mrs. Lersch (STEM):
Water is the word of the month for STEM. We began our introductions by practicing the first steps in the scientific process, using ice cubes and our best observational skills. Conversations evolved into discussing the water cycle and changing states of matter. Last week, we reviewed the steps that we will use in engineering challenges. Students designed, created and tested flotation devices for my miniature Ninja to sail the ocean and protect the world. Different grade levels had different levels of difficulty, and I was so very pleased to see that students cheered their peers during the testing process, offering high fives and words of encouragement. Today, we began creating and using models to study phenomena and test hypotheses. We examined what excessive rainfall does to different kinds of surfaces on earth, using rock, sand and soil. The younger ones thoroughly enjoyed the sensory experience along with the scientific process.
Third, fourth and fifth grade students had the added challenge of designing and creating structures in their landscapes to be impacted by the rainfall. On Wednesday, they were given their first long term challenge – to think of a problem involving water in the real world, and design a model of a device to solve the problem.
