SCIENCE LAB #8 RAMPS AND PATHWAYS - A LESSON IN PHYSICS

In our most recent science lab, we ventured into the land of physics. I really wasn’t sure how this would go over with the children since it didn’t include anything ooey, gooey, or gross (like our previous chemistry or biology based labs)- or maybe I was the one who thought physics couldn’t really be entertaining. I soon found I was foolish to think for a second that these children would not throw themselves into the challenges placed before them and make it fun!

 

First, we discussed exactly what a ramp is and how they are used. Ramps give movement to objects without them using any power of their own. We learned the meaning of the words incline and steep. We identified many types of ramps, including the slides on the playground. As far as pathways, most of the children knew what a path is, so we expanded on that and discussed the different types.



Next, the children we set free to design and build their own ramps using a variety of items. They did an awesome job creating ramps for their vehicles and then readjusting when the angles didn’t work. They had a great time and it was fun to see the children work together, helping one another. They were sad to see the lab end, so I promised we would pull our ramps back out soon. Obviously, physics is more fun than I thought!

HEALTHY SNACKS AND PEACOCKS

 As the year gets closer to the end, I would like to thank all of you parents for supplying healthy snacks to the children. As you can see, the children really enjoy snack time and have a great time eating and interacting with one another.

We have also spent some time learning about our feathered friends. We especially liked learning about the peacock. We spent time on several days listening to the peacock call and trying to imitate it. Listening to a classroom of children squawking and screeching is quite something! Then we created some peacocks of our own.

DONUTS WITH DADDY

 A big thank-you to all the Daddies who helped make DWD a success! The children loved it. Thank-you also to Rory Coyle (Dash's mom) for bringing a 2 week old kitten to join us.   Even kittens need
 a good breakfast. Some of the children even got to help feed him with a bottle. What a great way to start off the day!

PETS AT SCHOOL

Your child my have told you about some of our recent visitors. Mrs. Schwalbe and I have been bringing a couple of our pets to share with the class. The interaction between animal and child is one that is positive for both parties. Just like with people, socializing animals is probably the most important skill they learn. Bringing animals, especially at a young age, into the classroom help teach them the proper behavior they need to use with humans. Being in a noisy classroom also helps animals learn not to be frightened or defensive when they hear a loud sound.

FLUFFY, THE GUINEA PIG!

 

 



 Fluffy actually belongs to Mrs. Schwalbe's daughter, Caroline. Caroline talked to class all about Fluffy and guinea pigs in general. She shared all kinds of facts with us. For example, did you know that guinea pigs only have four teeth and if they break or fall out, new ones will grow in? That is because a guinea pig's teeth NEVER stop growing, so they have to gnaw on things to keep them in check!
                WHO KNEW???

 This is Nym, the puppy my oldest son brought home from college! She is a very sweet girl and growing bigger every day. She has been to school three times so far and it has been very educational for her. The children have also learned much from having her there. They have been practicing having gentle hands and gentle voices when there is an animal in the room. They have learned that since puppies don't have hands, they will use their mouths to feel things. They know the old saying, "let a sleeping dog lie." And most importantly, animals, just like people, sometimes make bad choices, but we love them anyway.