Float your boat challenge

We are working on building and instilling a growth mindset this year! One of the most fun ways to do this is through stem activities in science! Students are given a challenge, limited materials and a lot of time to fail, try again, brainstorm ideas, and learn from their peers success!

The Challenge: Build a boat that will hold the weight of 50 pennies for at least 30 seconds.
Materials: Tinfoil






















There were lots of successes and failures today! We are learning to try new ideas and not give up...sometimes finding inspiration from other people helps up become successful as well :)

Dancing Kernels

Students were given a cup of liquid (gingerale) and a cup of popcorn kernels. First we used our 5 senses to observe and describe our materials. Then we made predictions about what would happen if we put one kernel into the liquid...students drew a picture in their science journals to record their thinking as we go and then share out with the class....Next step...put one kernel in the liquid and OBSERVE carefully...

At first nothing was happening, the kernel just sank to the bottom. But as they watched patiently the kernel suddenly floated back up to the top...covered in bubbles. Then as the bubbles popped sank to the bottom again. This process repeated over and over again...hence dancing kernels!




Graylen had an AWESOME explanation for what was happening to the kernels! She said "the bubbles are like a parachute for the kernel the air brings it up then pops so it falls back down".

THEN we tried it with ALL the kernels! Some students predicted the cup would explode!


What did we learn? Air is lighter than liquid AND can push up a lot of kernels even though they are heavier than the liquid!

Fundrun Peprally

Rock-Star photo shoot!

Oh these kids! They melt my heart and make everyday such a fun adventure :) Their little personalities are POPpin' in these pictures!!






SO much sass!

Mrs. Schmidtys

#dresslikeyourteacherday#sass #sothisiswhattheythinkofme

Mouse house

We finished up our measurement unit in math with a super fun project: Build a house for a 2 inch mouse! Students could work together or on their own to build a house that was the appropriate size for a 2 inch mouse. They got points for measuring their house correctly using multiple units of measurement, having movable furniture, creativity and a standing structure! Some of these mice had MANSIONS :)