Co-Op, Week 8

This week my 7th and 8th graders completed two experiments and one demonstration.

• Experiment 4.1: The Lever
• Experiment 4.2: A Simulation of Using Multiple Pulleys

We also completed a demonstration using metal pulleys. This gave the kids an actual feel for mechanical advantage. We tried several combinations varying from one to four pulleys to lift our load (backpack).

The kids will be finishing Module 4 this week and taking the test. They will also begin on Module 5.

My 5th and 6th graders completed one experiment and two demonstrations.

• Experiment 3.1: A Floating Egg?

We also completed two demonstrations about surface tension. For the first one, I filled a glass to the brim with water and asked the kids to guess how many pennies it would take to spill the water. Most of the initial guesses were in the 8-20 range. It actually took 47 pennies before the water started to spill over the edge.

For the second demonstration, I added pepper to a bowl of water until it covered the surface of the water. Then I added a drop of hand soap to my finger and put it in the water. The kids were amazed at the reaction of the pepper... the way the pepper immediately repelled from the soap.

The kids are also finishing up Module 2, taking the test (if they haven't already) and starting on Module 3.