December 9, 2015

Santa's Force and Motion Workshop!

      

    Oh my, I thought it would be a hit, but not like this!  My students LOVE this unit!  I mean, LOVE!  The want more and more, and the excitement is right there!  So, let's take a look at what Santa's Force and Motion Workshop is all about!  (If you are joining me as I go along, I will be posting as we complete each lesson!)

      I will tell you, I sent out a Sign-Up Genius to ask for supply donations.  If you are lucky enough to have parents that like to donate, this is the way to go.  Here is what my list was:
                 Mini Marshmallows (3 bags)
                 Sand Paper-Rough Grain (3 pieces)
                 Straws (36)
                 Square Gift Boxes (5 total for my groups)
                 Glass Ornaments (7, just in case!)
                 Ball of String
                 9 oz. Plastic Cups (40)
                 Buffalo Snow/ Batting
                 Tissue Paper
                 Wrapping Paper

Activity #1

The first experiment we conducted is "The Poles Know".  First, use STRING!  I had yarn at first and it did not work well.  The yarn has too much flexibility.  It will allow the magnet to be pulled up to the magnets.  Anyways, I simply tied the yarn STRING to the paperclips and taped the magnets to the ruler. (Next year I will be getting a longer piece of thin wood or even a jazzed up piece of cardboard that allows more space between the books!)  
Once we got started, I showed the kids how the paperclips would dangle down and we discussed gravity.  Just with this discussion they were excited!  Well, then I pulled the first paperclip up-and it didn't work!  We talked about the flexibility in the yarn and we adjusted, but I just couldn't get it to hang freely.  So, I suggested the second.  With a little adjusting, I got it to hang freely!  They were totally amazed!  I was amazed!  I have tried experiments before and they were complete failures.  I know all the variables could cause failure, but we got it!  The other paperclips just stuck!  It didn't matter, the kids totally got the idea!  Then, I explained the science behind it!  It was awesome!  So, I highly recommend this experiment!  I give it an A!  
      But, don't stop there!  This is where I wish I had an Elf on the Shelf!  After school I was able to round up some STRING! OH MY WORD!  

 Not only are those paperclips free-flying, but with a good amount of space too!  The looks on their faces this morning!  It would have made an awesome Elf on the Shelf moment!  "Look, I fixed your Science Experiment!"  The best part, the kids still won't let me take the experiment down!  The students that sit there insist on sitting somewhere else so everyone can keep their eye on what is going on!  That elevated this experiment to an A+!  
 (I like how the string is flying free too!)

Check out this video from Instagram!  




Activity #2  Elf Police 4-Wheel Driving Training Course!  


This activity will require you to do some prep work.  You will be creating 3 ramps - one snow, one sand, and one ice!  It was simple.  Just cut longer pieces of cardboard the same length and width.  Then cover the first one in Christmas "snow".  I hot glued it on.  Then I used sand paper to cover the next.  Finally, I used aluminum foil for the last one.  All hot glues. Then, I found two "Santa" looking trucks in my son's car collection! (SHH-Don't tell!)

Next, I set up the book piles and the ramps.  This set the stage.  We read through the information and then went ahead and tested the tracks!  Great fun!  




Afterwards, we talked about how friction is key to distance.  Ice doesn't allow friction to occur and snow is a resistance.  Sand allows traction to occur, making the elf mobiles go farther!  It was a wonderful opportunity to learn!  


Activity #3  Reindeer Games!


Another great name for this was developed by my students-Reindeer Zip Lines!  There are some important things to know about this one!  Be sure to cut the straws small enough for the string to go through quickly.  I cut mine about 2 inches.  Another thing to know is to string the reindeer onto the track BEFORE attaching it to the balloon.  This is just easier!  The kids did blow their balloons up first, and then just taped the reindeer to the balloon!  Let the kids figure out the best techniques for running them.  It didn't take them long to figure out to hold the string as high as they could.   Another thing we did was practice first and, then, run the event as a competition.  This is so much fun and then kids really have a great time playing the Reindeer Games! 



Activity #4 Elf Snowball Throwing School


 This is an all-time favorite for my students.  Choose your cups wisely.  Solo cups work, but if students leave a jagged edge, it can cause the balloon to rip easily.  I poke a hole in the cup and let the kids do the rest.  I also fill the ziplock bags with marshmallows for the students to take outside.  Our target-the Villains of Christmas!  The Grinch, Scrooge, and more are on targets for the students to aim at!  Before you know it, they are shooting those "snowballs" and hitting their targets! Check out this video footage!  



Activity #5

The final activity is the Ornament Drop!  It is important to remember that YOU need to open the boxes as the end of the activity!  Hopefully you have a high location at your school to drop them from!  Let the students design the packaging and even wrap the "gift".  Drop the boxes and see who's ornament makes the drop!  Super fun and super easy too!  

Final Evaluation!  

Students then write their letter to Santa.  The idea is to share as much science as they can to impress Santa and you with all they know about force and motion!  

 Overall, these activities are just as much fun for me as they are for the students!  And, it is a great way for you to assess Science and bring  Holiday cheer to your classroom!  I'd love to hear how these activities brightened your classroom!  And, while you are checking out these videos, I'd love for you to follow me on Instagram too!  
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