January 2010

The fifth graders are currently working on the Variables unit.  It is such a fun unit with so much to learn!

Our first experiment involved swingers, or pendulums.  We learned that a variable is something in an experiment that we can change to see how it affects the outcome.  For our swingers, we tested three different variables to see how it would affect the number of swings in 20 seconds.  We discovered that the only variable that affected this outcome was the length of the swinger.  The students graphed the results and took a close look at the data to make predictions.

We then moved on to experimenting with Lifeboats.  In our case, a lifeboat is created out of a paper cup.  Our "passengers" are pennies.  We tested the boats to see how many passengers they would hold.  Again, we changed some of the variables to see how it affected the outcome and graphed the information.

Fifth graders are also working to prepare for their first science MCA test.  The test will be administered on the computers.  We are working to get students familiar with the format of the test since it is something new for most of them.
The MCA science test will be taken in April.