Levers and wheels

We finished our wheel and axle creations this morning.  Your child should be able to tell you how they make work easier or faster.  They should also be able to tell you what a force is, what friction is, what work is, and what a simple machine is by now.

We moved onto levers in the afternoon.  We focused on first class levers like see-saws, scales, and catapults.  We'll get into some of the second and third class levers tomorrow as I raid my tool box and steal most of the utensils out of my kitchen.  (My wife always knows what unit I'm teaching when her lemon squeezer disappears.)  Ask your child what a fulcrum is.  They should know because their homework is to list five household levers and explain how they work.

I have more info on our Arts are Elementary sessions that start on Friday.  Here is some information on our presenter this year:

Michael Wingfield is a performer with over 20 years of experience in the songs and rhythms of the African New World.  Through instruments such as conga, bata, shekere, and other percussive arts, Michael imparts the spirit and history of the African Diaspora in a way that speaks to the complexities of a diverse culture.  In a series of hands-on workshops, students will be ushered through the rudiments of the African musical idiom, learning about the ways in which to communicate a language, understand history, and expand perspective and self-awareness within any given community.

We're looking forward to it.

Have a good night. 

Mr. Shea