Catapults!

Today students designed, tested, and modified mini catapults.

First we did a visual thinking activity while looking and various Catapults. Next we went over some key vocabulary. Then students were given two wooden sticks, two rubber bands, two foam beads and a ruler to build/ test and modify their catapult.
The goal was to see how far they could launch a cotton ball and if they could hit a target from three feet away.

Students did an amazing job! Our final steps were to write a reflection and research more about the history of catapults! Well done Champions!

VTS Activity

 Testing

 Reflection

Awesome Job!

Buoyant Barges!

Today we built Straw Barges with Inquiry based learning in mind:
Given a set of materials, how much mass can you get to stay on your straw boat?

Students built and modified straw boats testing out buoyancy.
The Champion students worked in pairs and were given the following materials to use:
ten straws, 1 meter of tape, and two note card.

It took team work, modification and problem solving skills for students to be successful.
The goal was to see how many crayons it could hold before sinking!
Students did an amazing job. The average boat mass was three crayons, with one group holding 11!

Our next step was writing a short reflection of what we learned to be posted on the class learning wall. Our final step was students researching barges and writing a short informative essay on them to share with the class.

 Well done Champions!

Flag Towers!

Today students had a mini lesson on the history of flags. Students then designed an individual flag on a post it note. Next, students working in pairs were given 15 large note cards, a yard of tape, a paper clip, and a pair of scissors. Their challenge was to get their "flag" as high on a tower as they could. All students were able to complete the task, and a few groups were even able to get their flag over the 34 inch mark. Our last step was writing a reflection letter on the students new netbooks. Well done Champions!

Students Building...

Students typing their reflections on their news netbooks

Lego Go Carts!

This Friday students created their own Lego Go Cart. First, students were given their own bag of Lego's with several sets of wheels to build and test their vehicle. Next, we raced our cars on our very own DATA A8 track! After the races, students wrote reflection post cards to a parent about what they did, what they learned and how their car performed. Well done Champions!

Period 1-2

 Period 3-4

 Period 5-6