Friday, March 18, 2011

In Science Class . . . Weeks of 3/14 and 3/21

Over the past two weeks, the students have been further exploring the properties of magnets. We conducted an investigation that examined how increasing the space between magnets decreases the magnetic force. We also have been looking at the earth's magnetic field. We built our own compasses by hanging magnets on a string off of the table, and observed how they all oriented the same way (facing N-S toward the poles of the earth). We also looked at real compasses and discussed why they work, and how they detect the magnetic field of a magnet when it gets close. This week, we used compasses and iron objects to find the location of magnets in a box.

Over the next week, we'll be working on putting together demonstrations of fun experiments we've done in 4/5 science. During the week of 3/28, younger students in grades K-3 will be coming to visit the science room and see our demonstrations and activities.  We also will be doing some demonstrations at Math and Science Night on Wednesday, March 30, so mark your calendars!