LED Valentines

During February and March, we are studying electricity and magnetism.  One of our essential questions is: how does an electrical circuit work?  Our class got some hands-on experience last week creating circuits, in a very creative way!  Using cell batteries, copper tape and LED lights, we worked with Mrs. LaRussa in CLIC to create LED valentines.  We really enjoyed creating these fun cards and learning how to make a circuit work.

Massachusetts Science Frameworks, Physical Sciences 6:  Recognize that electricity in circuits requires a complete loop through which an electrical current can pass, and that electricity can produce light, heat and sound.

Simple Machines

    Over the past month, we have been learning about simple machines.  As we have learned more and more, we have been able to notice these machines in the world and realize how important they are!  We have been asking questions such as: how to simple machines make our lives easier?  In what ways do we use simple machines?  To help answer these essential questions, we have had some great sharing from members of our class:

Kallie showing us how her gumball machine works

Maddie demonstrating how the gears in this propeller work

Matt brought in this impressive Lego truck he built, complete with a working winch!

We also experimented in small groups with levers, weights and gears.

We were very fortunate to have a visit from Mr. Woodley, a friend of Proctor who spent years as a mechanical engineer.  He brought in working models of each simple machine (we were VERY impressed with the model of an Archimedes screw!).  Thank you to Mr. Woodley for a wonderful presentation!

After learning about all the simple machines, we set out to make our own gumball machines in CLIC for a culminating project.  We have been hard at work planning then creating, and the final products are sure to be amazing!

Make sure to check back for our final products!

This ties into MA Science Framework, Technology/Engineering: 1.  Materials and Tools

Central Concept: Appropriate materials, tools, and machines extend our ability to solve problems and invent.

1.1   Identify materials used to accomplish a design task based on a specific property, e.g., strength, hardness, and flexibility.

1.3   Identify and explain the difference between simple and complex machines, e.g., hand can opener that includes multiple gears, wheel, wedge, gear, and lever.