Today we conducted our first science experiment -- a simple exercise in asking a question, predicting an outcome, and experimenting to see if our predictions were right. Our question: Will a particular object float or sink?
We prepared for our experiment earlier in the day, when we were at recess. The students were given two minutes to find something "in nature" that we could test. Their choices were so creative! They brought pinecones, small rocks, a big rock, even leaves from a tree!
After lunch and before the experiment, the students also went through Mrs. Viall's classroom and selected an indoor item to test. There were a few stipulations, of course - they had to choose something that wouldn't be ruined if it were dropped into water (or, at least, if it
were ruined, it wouldn't be a big deal ... more on that later!).
Once we'd selected our objects, our first step was to make predictions. We went item by item and discussed whether we thought it would sink or float, and we noted each guess on a tally sheet. We observed that the tally sheets wouldn't necessarily look the same because each of us had different predictions. Then finally it was time! We headed out onto the kindergarten side porch, where a large bucket of water was waiting. Each child was ready with a pencil and their tally sheet clipped to a clipboard, ready to record the results of our test!
Here are our budding scientists ready to get started. (Sorry for all the closed eyes --
the sun was really bright!!
Each child was allowed to come down and drop "their" item into the water.
Showing off their items and declaring their predictions. Will they sink or float?
They couldn't wait to see the results each time!
Waiting and watching ...
Finishing up the nature items.
Then we moved on to the classroom objects. It was so much fun seeing how ordinary things would behave when placed into a bucket of water!
Testing a pair of scissors and a wooden puzzle piece.
We also tested chalk, crayons, colored pencils, and this stuffed dolphin!
Another interesting item was this storage box from Mrs. Viall's room. It floated, but when we turned it on its side, it sank!
We even tested a Kleenex tissue! (It floated ... before it disintegrated.) :)
Even the act of filling out a tally sheet was a learning experience, but they caught on super quickly!
Science is so much fun!
Stay tuned this weekend for some additional photos from our first full week!
