Paper Rockets #1

Today students tested the variable of fin size on paper rockets. Their goal during the next couple labs is to use what they learn to design the best possible rocket. Today, the outcome that smaller fin rockets fly better (quicker and higher) prevailed. Our data showed that small fin rockets stayed in the air on average of 0.6 seconds longer, mainly due to increased altitude.

Alka-Seltzer Rockets

Yesterday we used old film canisters and Alka-Seltzer to apply Newton's Three Laws of Motion. Students pretended they graduated from college with a degree in aeronautics and threw a graduation party. They had their guests have fun with the rockets during the party, but wanted them to leave the party with a "cheat sheet" that discusses all the rocket principals associated with this type of rocket.

Straw Rockets

We have officially kicked off our forces unit. Students investigated manipulating different variables on straw rockets. They will use their models and observations to advance through making and testing different rockets throughout the unit.

Presentations

During the past week, our class has been learning about digital textbooks and their advantages and disadvantages compared to current textbooks. Students read articles and watched a few 2-4 minute videos. Next, they compiled the information and wrote a speech, voicing their opinion on the topic. To make it more applicable, their speech was designed around them adding their opinion to the principal of the school, who, in the scenario was contemplating looking into new options for books (including digital). Finally, students gave their speeches, which didn't have to be 100% memorized, but known well enough that they didn't have to read. Presentations occurred in small groups on the playground today. They did an outstanding job!

Forces

We have moved into forces in science. Today we experimented with curling, the Olympic sport. After investigating different forces of the slider hitting bricks, we ventured into investigating gravitational forces vs. frictional forces. After collecting data, students used the data to make predictions.

Advertisement- Perfect Pronghorn

We have done it. We are finished with our art auction piece. Feel free to "Ohhh...." and "Ahhhh...." over the photos. This piece could be yours! Custom made and created entirely by Dr. Brock's class. Attend Fund the Arts on May 15th!