All posts by Jenny Henningsen

#16: Eggstraordinary Experiment

For this Mini Spark we are going back to the beginning…of STEAM that is.  So in honor of the “S,” try this egg science experiment. It take 7 days to do, so it might be one you try at home. You can also talk to your teacher about setting it up at school.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #16: Eggstraordinary Experiment

 2. This mini spark teaches you how to do the  The Dissolving Egg Shell & Bouncing Egg Experiment. This experiment is simple, you place eggs in water and also eggs in vinegar. It involves a lot of observation and the results are really interesting to watch. You will set up your experiment and do 4 reflections on your recording page.

3. Reflection 1: To start with, take time to reflect on what you think will happen when the eggs are put into the vinegar and water.  Make a note of your reflection on your recording page.
4. Gather your materials. Take a picture and add it to your recording sheet.

What You Need:

  • eggs
  • (we used raw eggs – 2 brown & 2 white)
  • vinegar
  • water
  • clear cups

5. Set up your experiment. Take a picture and add it to your recording page.

  • Set up 4 clear cups.
  • Put 1 egg into each cup.
  • Add vinegar to 1 of each cup containing a white & brown egg.
  • Add water to the other 2 cups.
  • The eggs should be covered completely by each liquid.
  • Observe

 

The Dissolving Egg Shell & Bouncing Egg Experiment

Day 1 Reflection 2:

What do you notice happening in the 2 cups?

Can you explain why these things are happening? This might require some research to answer. Add your responses to your recording sheet.
A few hours later…
Reflection 3:
What do you notice about the egg in each cup?
Do you have a hypothesis as to why this is happening? (again, you may have to do a little research)
Write a prediction about what you think will happen to all 4 eggs at the end of 7 days?
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 5:
Day 7:

End of Experiment – Day 7: Reflection 4:

What has happened to the eggs?
Test your eggs to get more information by dropping them on a protected surface (adult approved of course).
What observations did you make?
 
And Now, The Science:
What is the chemical reaction that is taking place in this experiment?
Why does this happen?
How could you change this experiment to learn more about this reaction?
You can read the info at the top of this page to help you answer these questions.
or
This video explains some of the science. Watch it to help you answer the questions above.

6. Share your STEAM mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator
Adapted from http://www.momto2poshlildivas.com/

Stumper of the Week #5

bird

6-themes.com

Math Starters and Stumpers by Marcy Cook

Seagulls were on the beach when a boat horn scared them.  Half the number flew away but one returned.  Another blast made half the number fly away, but one returned.  If the number of seagulls at the end is equal to the beginning number, how many seagulls were there?

Email Ms. Skaggs to check your answer!

 

#14: Can we build a wooden skyscraper?

Rising to a height of 85 meters in the Norwegian landscape, Mjøstårnet holds the title of the tallest wooden building in the world, constructed primarily from timber sourced from nearby forests. However, not long ago, towards the close of the 20th century, engineers believed that erecting a wooden structure taller than six stories was unfeasible. What, then, are the differences between wooden constructions like this and skyscrapers made of steel and concrete? Stefan Al explores this question.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #14: Can we build a wooden skyscraper?

2. Listen to how Mjøstårnet is pronounced. Whisper say it 10 times.

3. Watch this TED Ed video. Record 5 terms from the video with the definition on your recording sheet.

4. Choose 5 of these questions to answer on your recording page. **Reminder for your teacher that the answers can be found in the STEAM mini spark folder.

  • Explain how Mjøstårnet blends into the Norwegian countryside.
  • Describe the main types of engineered wood mentioned in the transcript and their functions.
  • What significant invention in the 1890s changed the way wooden buildings could be constructed?
  • How does cross-laminated timber (CLT) differ in construction from traditional lumber?
  • What are some advantages of using CLT and glulam in building construction compared to concrete?
  • Discuss how engineered wood materials like CLT and glulam contribute to environmental sustainability.
  • Why is it mentioned that Mjøstårnet is not made entirely of wood?
  • How do engineered wood materials perform in terms of fire safety compared to steel?
  • What impact could using wooden materials have on the carbon footprint of buildings?

5. Read this post from Guinness World Record. On your recording page, list 5-10 facts about Mjøstårnet.

6. Share your mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

#13: STEAM Challenge: Cardboard Box

Are you ready for a fun cardboard box building challenge? Grab a box, scissors and tape, and a few other item, and let’s get started! With just these three materials, you can create,well, anything you want!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: STEAM Challenge: Cardboard Box

2. Look over your STEAM Challenge:

3. Make a sketch of what your project will look like and any ideas that you have. Add a picture of your sketch to your recording page.

4. Gather the materials you will need. Ask an adult to help you find a cardboard box if necessary.

5.  Take a picture of your supplies before you start. Add the picture to your recording sheet.

6. Take a picture of you final project at add it to your recording sheet. Explain your project,  what you did well on this challenge and where you can improve.

7. Share your STEAM mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Check out the Cardboard Challenge badge at the EY Website.

#12: Inventor Collection

In the STEAM mini spark, learn about inventors. The USPTO collection cards show goofy caricatures of inventors! They’re made to celebrate all kinds of inventors from different backgrounds.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #12: Inventor Collection

2. The USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) has a collectible card series for kids. The cards feature caricatures of various inventors and are designed to recognize a wide variety of patent holders from diverse backgrounds and demographics in an effort to encourage and inspire future generations of inventors and innovators from various walks of life.

3. Go to the USPTO website  and you will find over 20 inventor collection cards.

4. Each person has a information for you to review. Make a record of each of the people with a few facts for each on on your recording sheet.

5.  Create a kahoot or other quiz about the people featured on the cards.

6. Share your STEAM mini spark recording page and your quiz with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Check out the Kids Invent Stuff Badge the Problem Solving Invention Badge at the EY website.

Check out the STEAM mini spark about  inventorJuliette Gordon Low.

#11: Code.org: Video series

Since the “T” in STEAM stands for technology, it seemed only right to add a post about the code.org video series. Get started on this mini spark to join in on the coding fun and who knows, maybe even begin your career in the computer sciences!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #11:code.org: Video Series

2.  While you are anxiously waiting for Code.org to begin, why not dig into information on coding and all things computer?  Perhaps you find yourself wondering how the internet works?  Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of sitting down with Mark Zuckerberg to learn a few programming tips and tricks.  Now you can!

3. At Code.org there are 7 topic and each topic has 7-10 short videos.

4. Here is a link to videos that will get your brain wrapped around those intriguing topics and more!

5. After looking them over, choose one main topic to explore. On your recording sheet, write the that topic and title of the videos you will watch. Set up a section for each of the videos.

6. Record new ideas or something that you enjoyed from each of the videos. Also record any terms that were new to you.

7. Make a visal about the topic you choose and include 8-10 details.

8. Share your STEAM mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.

Check out the Code Crusher Badge and the Code.org Video series badge at the EY Website. You can use this project for one of your projects at the code.org video series badge.