Baker News
September 13, 2007
Dear Families,
So, sometimes, a teacher just blows it and has to admit it. Yes, I did dump a full cup of water over Siena’s head in front of the whole class, BUT I did it in the pursuit of Science and a further understanding of air pressure. Really, I did. You know the classic experiment with the cup of water that you invert and, magically, the paper stays on the cup, (held by air pressure, of course) keeping the water from dumping? Well, things were going really well, and Siena remained dry as I flipped the cup. Everyone was quite impressed. Then, I began to explain how cool it was that the air pressure was evenly distributed on all outer surfaces, keeping the paper securely against the cup… blah, blah, blah and then… yes, exactly, the air pressure "won" and made its way into the cup and a wet, but very forgiving Siena, demonstrated that just a little break in the pressure can have significant results. Here is a picture of some of the kids trying it themselves – outside of course! Sorry about having to tilt your head to see these!
This seeming diversion was actually part of our solar energy study. The text we are using mentioned air pressure, over and over again, and it was clear that the class really didn’t have a clear understanding of the concept, so we digressed a bit. Now, we are back on track, creating testable questions regarding our solar cars, gathering and recording data, drawing conclusions and soon, we will be writing reports. Questions include: How would it affect the distance traveled to have two solar panels? Two motors? Grooved wheels? Larger wheels? Many variables need to be considered when forming hypotheses including ideas such as: How will it affect the total weight of the vehicle if I add another motor? Also, variables that involve fair testing are important such as using the same car, same surface, same time of day etc… for every test. There is a LOT of good science thinking going on. Some students have expressed an interest in having their own solar car kit – if interested, I purchased them from: http://www.sunwindsolar.com/a_scripts/n_kits_sunny_sideup.php
Next week, while wrapping up some of our testing and completing our solar energy reading, we will begin learning about geology. David Westerman, a local geologist, will come in on Thursday and do some activities with our class related to plate tectonics and mineral identification. If you are interested, come join us next Wednesday at 9am – I am sure it will be very interesting. We will be studying geology as a year long theme – because of the depth of understanding required by the curriculum, it really lends itself to coming back to it over time. We will start off with some Earth History, take a look at some formations in Moretown (bedrock, glacial till, old lake bottom located where our septic is now) and do a little rock collecting. If you have any geological resources, please let me know.
Finally, please find attached a copy of the Weekly Progress Report for this week – I will probably change it a little as time goes on, but this will give you the basic idea. Attached to the Progress Report is your child’s quiz on the key concepts covered in Investigation One in our solar energy text. This was a well prepped test in that we wrote the notes together (they dictated to me, I typed) then they had those to study from – after they were scored, I did give all students an opportunity to retake the test – and some did, significantly increasing their scores. I don’t always offer a retest, however, with this first assessment, I wanted anyone who was willing to put the work into it (they took the retake on their own time) to have every opportunity for success.
Please return the quiz, as well as the progress report, signed on Monday. It counts as a homework assignment for your child to get it in on time.
Enjoy the weekend with your families…
Peace,
Sara Baker
Multiage 5/6