Sun Dials and Bridges

We have been focusing on observing shadows in science lately. Each week we are measuring our shadow and observing how the length is changing. Eventually, we will plot this on a line graph and predict how long it will be after spring break. Today we used chalk to draw our shadow 4 times throughout the day. Many students believed the shadow would only get smaller, not necessarily change direction. The activity takes us right into building a sun dial next week. Our last College of Engineering lab took place today, led by a UNR student. The focus was on different types of bridges, with the lab directed on building a suspension bridge.

pH of Water Treatment

As part of our ongoing collaborative efforts between our classroom and the UNR College of Engineering, our second lab taught by a UNR student occurred today. Focusing on environmental engineering, the lab taught the basics of how our drinking water is cleaned. Students then applied one concept by testing water's pH and trying to get it neutral. This occurred by balancing out a basic solution with more acid. Not to worry, the acid was vinegar. In the end, teams of scientists had to identify the acid, base, and neutral water from 3 different cups.

Kids Court

Kids Court was a success. Ten students practiced their "secret" skit for two weeks before the event. They pulled it off beautifully and everyone had fun. The pig ended up losing the court case! Educational value of how our court system works and the difference between criminal and civil courts were learned.

Engineering

The College of Engineering visiting our class today, their first of three visits. An introduction to the University was followed up by teaching about the different types of engineers. Students then became engineers and developed a wind turbine to test with a fan. In this photo you can see students doing initial tests before putting it by the fan.

What is that Star Made of?

We borrowed some high tech equipment to learn about how light can be separated into its spectrum. First we made spectroscopes and then analyzed different gases, similar to how space scientists learn what different stars are made out of.

Supersaturated Solutions

In learning about supersaturated solutions, our class used borax to make some amazing crystals. Some of the groups made such supersaturated solutions that so many crystals formed it was hard to get them out of the jar!

UNR Basketball Game

On Wednesday, we were invited by the University of Nevada, Reno to attend a women's basketball game on campus. The goal was to introduce students to campus and instill the thought that college is a possibility after high school graduation. Upon returning from the field experience, we took an online tour of the UNR campus and investigated the different colleges on campus.