Hello,
The science problem of the day was to figure out how to drag a dictionary across a floor using less than five newtons of force. The simple machine that I wanted them to focus on was the wheel and axle, although some of the solutions focused on reducing the friction in other ways. The biggest trouble that most groups ran into was that fixed axles tended to move off the base, and independent spinning wheels were harder to keep near the edge of the axles without falling off. They are learning quickly that problems are part of the invention process. Finding out what doesn't work gets them one step closer to a solution. I think it is great because the kids have been hearing that problems present opportunities, and this is a unit where they can clearly see that if they don't have problems then they aren't trying hard enough.
We were so involved in our building this morning that we worked through our lunch recess. I was impressed that I didn't get any complaints from the class. Maybe they're starting to realize who the boss is. heh heh.
We wrote concrete poems today. I think they are really liking this unit. I'm hoping to see a lot in their free write as we go along.
They spent the last hour of the day with Mrs. Smith. I'm not sure what they did yet, but I'll find out.
Spelling test tomorrow.
Thanks for reading and go sox,
Mr. Shea
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