Category Archives: Science Mini Spark

#2: Shadow Science 

Science Mini Spark, Uncategorized

Learn about shadows, including what they are and how they form. Discover the way solid objects block light to form shadows and how shadows can change shape when the light source changes

Spark you thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #2: Shadow Science

2. How are Shadows formed? Watch this video. Record all of the vocabulary words tha pop up on your recording sheet. If it is a new word for you, write a short definition as well.

3. Shadow puppetry is the art of using the shadows of puppets to entertain the audience. Research this art form at Wonderopolis and make a fact page about its history. Add a picture of your project to your recording page.  

4. A long time ago, people observed the way shadows were formed by the sun and utilized this principle in making the world’s most primitive clocks, the sundials. Learn about sundials. Take notes about the process on your recording sheet.

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

Check out the Shadow Science Badge at the EY Website.

#1: How Glass is Made

Science Mini Spark

Ever wonder how glass is made? It’s like making a giant cookie: you mix sandy quartz with some lime and a sprinkle of sodium bicarbonate, then bake it in a super hot oven until it turns into a shiny, crunchy treat—just don’t eat it!

Spark you thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #1: How Glass is Made

2. Watch a video about glass from Mystery Doug. Take a 5 notes on your recording page as you watch.

3. Watch this animated step video about glass from Mocomi.

4. Draw a picture timeline or use pic collage showing several of the different glass making processes that were shown in the video. Include at least 3 science words in your visual.

5. Share your science mini spark recording page and your chatter pic with your teacher/EY coordinator.

source: https://mocomi.com/how-is-glass-made/

#32: Football( Soccer) Physics

Science Mini Spark

Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy.  Learn more about physics by checking this video about the impossible kick.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your STEAM mini spark recording page: #32: Football( Soccer) Physics

2. Watch this TED Ed video. Write down the terms mentioned in the video.

3. Choose 3 of these questions to answer on your recording page. Use at least 2 senetence for your response. Remind your teacher that the key can be found in the science mini spark folder.

  1. Explain the significance of the spin that Carlos put on the ball when he kicked it.
  2. Describe Newton’s first law of motion and how it relates to the kick made by Roberto Carlos.
  3. What is the Magnus effect and how does it contribute to the ball curving in flight?
  4. List the factors that can affect the trajectory of a free kick, as mentioned in the video.
  5. How does the air pressure differential created by the ball’s spin influence its path?
  6. Discuss whether it is theoretically possible to kick a ball in a way that makes it return to the kicker.
  7. What are some examples of other sports or objects where the Magnus effect is observed, as mentioned in the video?
  8. Reflect on the challenges a player faces when trying to curve a kick accurately—what makes it so difficult?

4. Check out Physics for Kids Overview on ducksters.com.  List all the 7 main physics topics on your recording page.

5. Choose one of the pages to read. Create 5  trivia questions for your classmates to answer using information from this page

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

Advanced:

Watch the Fascinating Physics of Everyday Life video.

Answer the questions. What is the law of conservation of angular momentum?

  • How does something not touching anything (i.e. Hubble Telescope) know where it is?
  • What are two important things to know about science?

 

#28: Newest Elements

Science Mini Spark

The seven rows in the periodic table are like the levels of a video game, and the eighteen columns are like the cool teams you can join! The latest “superheroes” added to the table are Nihonium, Moscovium, Tennessine, and Oganesson—talk about an elemental upgrade!

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your Science mini spark recording page: #28: Newest Elements

2. As of the date of this post, Aug 2024, 118 elements have been discovered. Watch this video about the newest elements and take detailed notes on your recording page about them.

3. Jim Roberto, ORNL associate lab director for science and technology partnerships, says “The discovery of new elements is actually very exciting on a number of different levels, and what we have done with our partners is change the periodic table, and we have changed every high school chemistry book.” Discuss the collaboration involved in the discovery of element 117. Which institutions were mentioned as partners? Record your response on your recording page.

4. Element 117 has been discovered and it is a very interesting process. Why is the creation of superheavy elements like element 117 significant in scientific research? Respond on your recording sheet.

5. We have a lucky connection to this discovery! Mrs. Sindt, EY teacher at Rockbrook, Oakdalem and Hillside, has a brother who is the Isotope Production Manager at Oak Ridge National Lab.  His name is John Krueger and he is an alum of Hillside Elementary and Westside High School! 

6. Some Rockbrook students asked John Krueger questions and received some very detailed, interesting responses. See the questions and responses here.

7. OPTIONAL: Think of a question you have about this discovery, or about science in general, that you’d like to ask him.  Email your question to your EY coordinator and will make sure it gets to Mr. Krueger.

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