Today we learned about simple machines and how we can move them using force.
We learned about wheels and axles, inclined planes, wedges, screws, and pulleys. It was a great afternoon because we loved all the hands on work. It was interesting seeing what everyone else came up with!
We may be able to use this information to help us with a Big Question for our own “Discovery”!
Force and Simple Machines on PhotoPeach
Here are some of our predictions:
For our experiment, we placed 15 balloons under a table. We needed to make sure the balloons were only half blown up and that they were evenly placed beneath the table. We also needed to have this experiment on the carpet. Ms. Tieppo helped balance the table while the children in our class hopped onto the table. Very slowly each child carefully climbed onto the table.
Were we surprised!!! We managed to get 16 children on the first time and when we repeated it we got 18 children. There were so many giggles and screams as we kept adding another child! It was such great fun!
Here is why the balloons didn’t burst: When the balloon flattens out enough, the pressure of the air inside the balloon equals the pressure of the desk on the balloon and the balloon can support the weight of the desk.
Balloon Surfing on PhotoPeach
Last week, Mark came to our school for a Billy Cart incursion. He talked to us about force and motion. Everytime we pushed or pulled the Billycart, we were using force.
There were four activities that we worked on.
It was such a fantastic learning day! We especially loved steering the billycarts!
