Oil Spills, Blind Trust, and Newtonian Physics!

The scholars have been actively involved in learning and manipulating science. The task this week was to work with a team to constructively come up with a way to clean up an oil spill. Scholars were manned with a mini-spill, spoons, paper towels, cotton balls, and plastic cups. They were to try and use those supplies to keep their ship (Popsicle stick) afloat while cleaning up the spill. There were some very creative attempts, but only when we introduced the surfactant (Dawn dish liquid) were they actually able to clean up much of the oil. Great job scholars!

We also spent time persevering with one another this week as we had to depend upon each other to get a snake of people out onto the ball field, find a ball, and return it to the ball bin. Everyone in the line was blindfolded except that "driver" who was at the back. There was no talking, only motions that were sent up the line to determine where the scholars needed to go. It was hysterical to watch and most scholars learned some great lessons on cooperation and perseverance.

Getting prepared for Lagoon tomorrow, a group of scholars is constructing a roller coaster to their liking. They will then compare it to what they study about coasters tomorrow and come back on Monday and change up their design. The rest of the class was divided into two groups and given all of the shapes they created for the last math unit. Their job was to construct a historical landmark from ancient Greece and Rome. To their benefit each group had a student who had just returned from a tour of Italy and could help visualize the final product.

Great work scholars!