|
At Home With Jesus!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Science experiments
We are on our "last stop" on our study of North America....CANADA!
Upon leaving Mexico, we also leave behind our studies of deserts for science, and switch to lakes and rivers.
This week we have had some fun science experiments that go along with our new theme.
Two of them had to do with the concept of surface tension.
Experiment #1
In the first one, we counted how many drops of water would fit on the head of a penny (WAY more that what you would think!!!) and we watched the 'bubble of water' on the penny grow. It got bigger and bigger because it had a 'skin' that was holding it together....surface tension!
 But when the surface tension broke...splash!
The kids got a real kick out of that and had to do it over and over again.
Experiment #2
Our other surface tension experiment had to do with weight distribution.
We used the example "Why can a water skate 'walk' on top of the water like it does?"
So, first we dropped an ordinary paper clip into a glass of water...and it sank.
But then we opened up the paper clip...and behold... it rested on top of the water!
 Hooray for surface tension - LOL!
And finally...we demonstrated the concepts of erosion and run-off and silt.
Experiment #3 - A model river
First the kids made their model. (The book said to use sand, but we had already covered up our sandbox for the year, so we used Moon Sand.)
The finished model
 We placed it in a baking pan ( slightly elevated to show that sometimes rivers originate in the mountains and are caused by melting snow.)
Then.....down came the rain....
And the erosion began....notice the 'silt' collecting at the mouth of the river?
Over time...the effects of erosion really took it's toll on the "land." 
In the end, the evidence of silt/run-off was pretty obvious!
We'll be doing many more fun projects over the next couple of weeks including Inuit soap carving, maple leaf prints and making some fun treats! The kids are a little disappointed though...they said
" Mom..we really don't live THAT far from Canada. Can't we take a field trip there?"
(And for some silly reason, I just can't get that Raffi song out of my head...
"C-A- N-A- D-A ......") 
|
| • Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!
|
Comments
|
<
Posted by
Posted by
Tara 
Posted by
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - Interesting!
Jenn