Marvelous Magnets and the Hidden Forces that Surround Us

This week we went to Morse Hill where we used compasses to orient ourselves and to find hidden treasure!  We designed, built, and PADDLED our own original rafts. No one sank and all the boats proved to be seaworthy (or at least Lake Wyola worthy!).

But how do compasses work? What are these hidden forces that surround us?

We explored magnets and their amazing abilities today in Mad Science. Then we received the challenge:  Build your own compass…

 

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Using magnets, needles, water, and things that float,  Fifth Graders built working compasses!

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Scientists at work

Investigating and exploring living things…  What happens when you put freshly cut foods into a dark space and let them sit?  What might grow? How might different starting foods grow different things? What if we take away all light energy by putting the foods in the dark?  Just add water to find out!

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Fall, 2016

We’re back! The year is off to an explosive start with Is it Alive?!?! and Mad Science.  Two substances, both alike in size, in texture and in color, each the equal of the other.  Both dry and lifeless… could either hold the spark of life within its seemingly inert form? What does it mean to be alive?  How can we tell? What is the difference between living and non-living?

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All living things:

Get energy

Use energy

Get rid of waste

React to change

Grow

Reproduce

 

Was either of the Mystery Substances alive?!?