Simple Science

Today we went to CLIC for the first time to experiment with what we've been studying in Science and Social Studies.  We, as a class, are writing this post using the scientific method.
Step 1: Observations: When we walked into the CLIC room, we saw some materials on the tables.  We didn't know what they were for.  We saw a piece of cork, a magnet, a bowl of water, and a message on the board.  Mrs. Condon explained that we were going to do an experiment where we made a compass out of simple materials, including a sewing needle.
Step 2: Problem: What would happen to the cork, needle and magnet to turn it into a compass?
Step 3:  Hypothesis: Some of our hypotheses were: 

• we would use the magnet  and rub the needle to turn it into a compass
• we were going to drop the magnet into the water and it would point north
• we were going to put the cork over the magnet, put the needle on the cork and it would stick

Step 4: Experiment: Here are our steps

1.) Pick up the needle and the magnet

2.) Rub the magnet on the needle and pass it in one direction

3.) Rub it about 30-40 times

4.) Put down the magnet and the needle

5.) Lay the piece of cork on the water

6.) Lightly place the needle on the piece of cork

7.) Watch as the needle starts to spin and point north

Step 5: Results: In order to turn a needle into a compass, you have to magnetize the needle so it points north.

Step 6: Conclusion: Some of us had hypotheses that were correct or close, while others were not correct.  However, we know that an incorrect hypothesis can be as useful as one that's correct.

****Written by the members of Mrs. Lampe's class!****