The Science of Chanukah and the Winter Solstice

Science is everywhere!  We conducted a few amazing Chanukah inspired science investigations: Oil, Water, and Color: A Study of Density and Spinning Dreidles: A Lesson of Probability.  We also observed how long one drop of oil really lasts when burned, and how long a lamp full of oil can burn.  Our drop of oil burned for mere seconds!  We discovered that oil, water, and food coloring have different densities.  Oil floats on water.  A drop of food coloring will sink through the oil and water layers, but stay as a drop, until it is burst (with a toothpick).  Then the food coloring "explodes" into the water and dissolves. We spun dreidles and recorded the frequency the dreidle landed on each letter.  We compared data, and made conclusions based on the data we collected.

There are many science opportunities as we celebrate Chanukkah: Does the size and mass of a dreidle affect how long it can spin?  Do different kinds of potatoes affect the crispiness of the latke?  What are the nutritional differences between baked and fried sufganiot?  Does the color of the Chanukah candle affect how long the candle burns?

Check out the experiments on www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEF-oXZypXE  (or Google search "Science of Chanukkah"

The Winter Solstice is this Sunday.  We learned the scientific importance of solstice and equinox, and discussed some of the ancient cultural practices for celebrating the solstices.  For more information about solstice, equinox, or any other time and date related questions, check out www.timeanddate.com


I hope that you have a happy, joyful, and blessed Chanukkah and a relaxing, enjoyable, and wonderful winter break!  Remember...Science is everywhere!

Timelines and Guinea Pig

Did you know that Kleenex Tissues were not invented to solve the problem of runny noses, but as a disposable cloth for removing cold cream?  Did you know that Crayola Crayons, invented in 1903, were only available in 8 colors until 1948 when the 48 color box was created?  The 4th and 5th graders are discovering so many amazing facts as they research technology products and processes.  They are learning how to use the internet to research a topic, how to collect information, and how to create a power point timeline of the information.  If you are interested in researching the history of a piece of technology, www.timetoast.com is a great place to start. 

Engineers solve problems.  The 3rd graders are solving a big problem!  Our (stuffed toy) class pet Guinea Pigs, Lewis and Clark, didn't have a place to live.  The 3rd graders are working in teams to design homes for these little plush creatures.  The homes must meet the following criteria: space for food and water, place to sleep, absorbent flooring material that is easy to change, toys/exercise equipment, and secure doors.  The students are designing magnificent structures: palaces, resorts, bungalows, lounges, mansions, and castles.  Lewis and Clark are looking forward to their move-in day, and will be spending time in each of their homes each week. 

Chanukah is just a few days away!  To prepare and celebrate, we will be conducting "Science and Chanukah" investigations.  Stay tuned for our amazing adventures!

Technology, The Design Process, Risks and Benefits, and Winter Eggs

Technology is any product or process that is created and used to solve a problem.  Technology can be a simple tool, like a sharpened stick used to spear a marshmallow, a complex electronic device like a smart phone, or a set of procedures like the rules of a game.  The students have learned how to define and identify technology products and processes, explain and use the design process to engineer technology, and weigh the risks and benefits of different pieces of technology.

We have built, tested, and revised prototypes of insulated beverage containers, bridges, boats, and book carts.  We have listed and discussed the risks and benefits of cell phones, smart phones, computers, TVs and video games.  We have designed posters to advertise safe use of technology.  We are in the process of creating technology time lines.  The third graders have chosen a piece of technology to research.  These pieces of technology will be made into a class technology timeline.  The students will share their research and the risks and benefits of their piece of technology.  The fourth and fifth graders are choosing a piece of technology to research and create a timeline of how that piece of technology has changed from its invention to the present day.  The students will share their research, timelines, and risks and benefits of the technology as it has changed over time.  The students will extend their learning by designing a plan and creating a prototype that improves their chosen piece of technology. 

Winter Eggs:

Did you know that up until the 1930's eggs were a seasonal food?  Yes, chicken eggs used to be unavailable in winter!  European and North American chickens stopped laying eggs in mid-December and would not resume laying eggs until late March or early April.  The combination of cold temperatures and less daylight triggered hormonal changes in chickens -as the environment was not hospitable for baby chicks to thrive.  With the arrival of rural electrification, farmers were able to provide bright, warm homes for their chickens.  This enabled the chickens to resume laying eggs.  Foods like eggnog in winter and hard boiled eggs in spring make sense.  These traditional foods mark the celebration of using the last fresh eggs and celebrating the first fresh eggs.  Thank you, technology, for making challah French toast for Chanukah breakfast possible!

What is Technology?

Technology is any designed system, product, or process.  We use technology to solve problems and meet needs.  We are surrounded by technology! This week the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Spectacular Scientists are identifying types of technology and how technology has changed through time, learning how technology impacts society, explaining how technology meets people's needs, and examining the risks and benefits of technology.

We have also confronted some common misconceptions about technology.  Technology isn't just the latest electronic devices.  Some of the earliest examples of technology are tools made from stones and animal bones.  Technology doesn't have to be a product - it can be a process.  Following a series of steps to make a cake, tie your shoelaces, add music to your MP3 player, or play a game of soccer are all examples of a technology process.

The students have discovered that many technology products that are part of their daily lives would have been items of science fiction to a child growing up in ancient times, like the 1970's and 1980's :   remote controls for televisions, cordless phones, CDs, television on demand, home video gaming systems, hand-held video games, touch screen computers, laptops, the Internet.  The students tried to imagine life without these types of technology and saw pictures of ancient technology, such as phones with cords. 

Upcoming Project:

The students will create timelines of technology!  Each student will select an item of technology, find out when it was invented, research its evolution, and explain the impact it has had on society   This project integrates science, computers, social studies, and language arts Common Core standards.   Project guidelines, due dates, and additional details will be give after Thanksgiving break.

How Can You Design a Solution to a Problem?

When engineers design new technologies, they follow a design process.  The process includes the following steps:
     1. Find a Problem
     2. Plan and Build
     3. Test and Improve
     4. Redesign
     5. Communicate

The 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Spectacular Scientists are following this design process to find solutions to their assigned problems.  The 3rd graders are creating designs for tree houses.  They are making illustrations of their tree houses and are including plans for moving building materials from the ground to the tree house.  We have discussed several ways to transport the building materials: ladders, pulleys, step stools, and fishing rods.  The 4th graders are building crash safety devices for egg transportation systems.  They are making 2 prototypes of crash safety devices.  These devices will need to gently absorb the force of motion - so the raw egg inside will not crack or smash -  as they are dropped form a height of 3.58 meters.  (Yes, we are dropping them from the loft of the Old Library!)  The 5th graders are designing a prototype of a raft that will float and hold weight.  They will build and test the first prototype and then redesign it to hold more weight. 


We are eager to test our prototypes and to communicate our results!

The Engineering Process

Hooray!!  This is the first day of the SECOND quarter!  We are revved up and ready to explore the engineering process!  Each grade has a new "Big Idea" to learn and series of "Essential Questions" to answer.

Third Grade's Big Idea:
     Technology is all around us.  The design process is used to develop new types of technology to meet people's needs.

Third Grade's Essential Questions:
     1. How do engineers use the design process?
     2. How can you design a tree house?
     3. How are technology and science related?
     4. How can we improve a design?

Fourth Grade's Big Idea:
    Engineers use a process to design products and processes that solve human problems.

Fourth Grade's Essential Questions:
     1. What is an engineering design process?
     2. How can you design a solution to a problem?
     3. What is technology?
     4. How do we use technology?

Fifth Grade's Big Idea:
    Technology is all around us.  Engineers apply their knowledge of science to design solutions to practical problems.

Fifth Grade's Essential Questions:
     1. What is the design process?
     2. How can you design a solution to a problem?
     3. How does technology improve our lives?
     4. How can you use engineering to solve a problem?


The third graders are creating a design to keep a drink cold.  The have made sketches and created prototypes.  We will test our prototypes, record data, and discuss design improvements.  The fourth graders generated ideas and created sketches for a new type of tool that will enable a person to see things closely that are far away.  We discussed how current tools like binoculars, telescopes, and cameras with zoom lenses could be improved to meet our needs.  The fifth graders identified the types of technology that are used daily in a city.  They identified the type of technology and the problem(s) it solved.  They created a table of new technology ideas by identifying the need it would meet, the type of technology that could meet that need, the way that technology would work, and the problem(s) that technology would solve. 

Some fun things to do and consider:  Discuss with your child the ways technology has changed since you were in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade.   Many of our children have never seen a rotary phone, car windows that have to be manually rolled down, radios that have to be tuned by dials, TVs  without remote controls, record players, or 8-track tapes.  (Wow.  I feel quite old.)  Discuss what types of technology have been helpful and now seem essential, and what types of technology have been distracting or disruptive.  Ask your child to predict what types of technology they will need or use as adults.  Encourage your child to design, build and test prototypes of technology that he/she could use to solve a problem he/she has. 
     

SPECTACULAR SCIENCE TESTS THIS WEEK!!

HOORAY!!! The 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Spectacular Science Students get to show what they know from our first science unit: How Scientists Work.  Each grade will take the unit 1 test on Thursday, October 30.  The fourth and fifth graders have taken home their review packets and science notebooks tonight to study.  The third graders will take home their review packets and science notebooks tomorrow.   We are reviewing concepts, learning test-taking skills and strategies, and are learning how to write complete, clear, and correct responses to short answer essay questions.  Please help your child prepare for this test by having your child re-read the lessons, explain the main ideas of each lesson, and explain the answers to the questions in the review packet.

Science Investigation Updates: Etrog Experiments

The third graders created and experiment to test how the mass, length, and circumference of an etrog would change after the etrog was submerged in water for 6 days.  The length, circumference, and mass of the etrog increased!! 

The fourth graders created an experiment to sprout etrog seeds.  Some of the seeds were placed on dry cotton balls, sealed in plastic bags, and taped to the window.  Some of the seeds were placed on wet cotton balls, sealed in plastic bags, and taped to the window.  As of today, the etrog seeds on wet cotton balls are growing mold.  The etrog seeds on dry cotton balls haven't shown any change.

The fifth graders created an experiment to test if an etrog can conduct electricity.  This experiment is similar to creating a lemon battery.  They placed copper wire and galvanized nails into the etrog.  We connected it to a meter to monitor electrical currents.  The etrog did conduct a small amount of electricity, but not enough to power a light bulb or charge a phone. 

We have conducted a few other scientific investigations.  The third graders tested how the amount of dish soap in a given amount of water affects the height of bubbles produced.  The fourth graders tested which solution, water, Sprite, or Diet Sprite, would dissolve a Skittle or M&M the fastest. They also built models of bridges.  We will test how much weight the bridges will hold. The fifth grade discovered how different floor surfaces, gym floor, brick floor, carpeted floor, and tile floor affect the bounce height of a Ping-Pong ball.

Next week we will enter the SECOND quarter of our school year.  We will begin a study of the engineering process.  Hooray!!!!!

Succot and Science: Blood Moons, Etrogs, Writing in Different Ways

Did you see the spectacular "Blood Moon" full moon and lunar eclipse on October 7-8?  This amazing event is the second in a series of 4 Blood Moons (red-orange cast full moons with full lunar eclipses) to occur between April 14, 2014 and September 28, 2015.  This rare occurance of 4 successive total lunar eclipses with no partial lunar eclipses in between -each separated by 6 lunar months (6 full moons) -is called a lunar tetrad. There will be a total of 8 lunar tetrads in the 21st century.  Last Pesach and this Pesach will have full moon eclipses.  This Succot and next Succot will have full moon eclipses.  WOW!  To find out more fascinating facts about Blood Moons and lunar eclipses, check out this website: earthsky.org/space/what-is-a-blood-moon-lunar-eclipses-2014-1015

Etrogs are interesting.  They are citrus fruits, but not usually thought about much until succot.  Did you know that there are several different varieties of etrog?  Etrog prefer a warm climate, but we will try to sprout etrog seed and hope to grow an etrog tree - indoors.  These websites have fantastic facts about etrogs: www.citrusvariety.urc.edu/citrus/ethrog.html   en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etrog  What interesting etrog facts have you found?  Each science class has set up investigations about etrogs.    We will conduct our investigations next week.

Are you right-handed or left-handed?  Are you able to write legibly with your non-dominant hand?  We conducted a series of investigations to determine how well we are able to write with our non-dominant hands, write with both hands at once, and write with our non-dominant hands on the white board.  We realized that it is very challenging to write with our non-dominant hands, but it was easier to do so on the white board.  We concluded that writing on a larger surface was what made it easier. Drawing with both hands at once was challenging, but fun.

We have gathered and displayed data about honey, challah, and sukkahs.  Check out our data board in the hallway outside room 8.

Hag Sameach!!

In Just 2 Days We Have...

We explored these Essential Science Questions:

3rd Grade: How can you measure length?

4th Grade: How do scientists collect and use data?

5th Grade: What are some types of investigations?


The third grades used measuring tapes, meter sticks, and rulers to measure marked distances.  They recorded their data and drew conclusions about which measuring instrument was most accurate and why.  They practiced measuring in metric units: centimeters and millimeters.

The fourth graders used their research skills to find facts about fireflies and bees.  They are learning how to search for information on the Internet and to record information on google doc.  Check out the sites we used:  www.firefly.org    www.buzzaboutbees.net    

The fifth graders identified 3 types of investigations and gave examples of situations in which each should be used.  Here are the 3 types of investigation: use a model, repeated observation, experiment.  We will use all of these as we continue our studies.

Science is EVERYWHERE!  Science is in the celebration of Rosh HaShanah!  Here are some questions to ponder, investigate, and answer:

        1.Observe:  Once sliced - do red apples turn brown faster then green apples?
        2. Observe:  Does putting honey on apple slices prevent them from turning brown as quickly?
        3. Compare: Does light-colored honey tasted sweeter than dark-colored honey?
        4. Compare:  Does raw honey taste different than processed honey?
        5. Compare:  Do shofars of different sizes create sounds of different pitch?
        6. Research:  How many bees does it take to make 1 cup of honey?
        7. Research: During which phase of the lunar cycle does Rosh HaShannah occur?
      

Think Like a Scientist!

How do you think like a scientist?  Well... You ask questions, make hypothesis, plan and conduct investigations, make observations, record data, make inferences, draw conclusions, and share results. Scientists use math skills.  Scientists use different tools to assist in making observations and recording data. Scientists notice that science is....EVERYWHERE!

Third Grade:
     We are identifying how we use math skills as scientists.  We practiced measuring length in centimeters, identified the tools used to measure mass, volume, weight, length, time and temperature, and discussed the use of metric measurement and customary units of measurement.  We identified and explained cause/effect relationships.

Fourth Grade:
     We identified ways to think like a scientist, practiced using math skills as scientists, and reviewed the process of scientific investigation.  We conducted an investigation: "Rain, Rain, Come Again".  In this investigation, we created rain gauge and measured rainfall.  Of course, the day of the experiment was not a rainy day.  So, we simulated rain clouds (spray bottles) and set times (15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds), recorded our data, made inferences, drew conclusions, and compared our results.

Fifth Grade:
     We used math skills as scientists to create a bar graph of preferred weather.  We conducted a "Think Like Scientists" investigation to determine which nozzle will launch a balloon the farthest.  We defined and identified the 3 types of scientific investigations: experiments, repeated observation, and using models.

There is no science homework this week.


SPECTACULAR SCIENCE OPPORTUNITY!
Science is everywhere!  Students who are interested in exploring more science topics are encouraged to engage in independent study projects.  These projects will be set up for individual students based on his/her interests and the science curriculum.  All projects are to be completed at home.  Due dates for projects are flexible, and all work will be extra credit.  If your child is interested in doing an independent study project, please email me: tlerner@torahacademy.org

NEW Essential Questions!! Amazing Investigations!!

We are having a very exciting week!  We are investigating and answering new essential questions, conducting fascinating investigations, and improving our science skills.

Third Grade: 
     Essential Question: How Can You Use a Model? How Do Scientists Use Tools?
     Investigations: Building , Testing and Modifying Paper Airplanes
                                Using Magnifying Boxes and Hand Lenses to Investigate Items


Fourth Grade:
     Essential Question: What Skills Do Scientists Use?
     Investigation: Pendulum Swing: What Characteristics of a Pendulum Affect its Swing?


Fifth Grade: 
     Essential Question: How do Scientists Learn About the Natural World?
     Investigation:  Origami Weather Prediction



There is no science homework this week.  So, you have some time to make observations, inferences, and ask science questions about things you encounter every day.  Observe!  Infer!  Predict! Ask! Investigate! Conclude! Evaluate!  Conclude!  This week I am challenging you to think like a scientist.

Welcome to Spectacular Science with Mrs. Lerner.  This is the place for information about the Spectacular 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Science Classes: Big Ideas, Essential Questions, homework assignments, test and quiz dates, project plans, experiment/investigation activities, and class news.



3rd Grade:

Big Idea: Scientists raise questions about Earth and the universe and seek answers to some of them by careful investigation.

Essential Question: How do scientists investigate questions?

Homework assignments for the week of Sept. 2-5:

Tues: Complete "predictions" worksheet.



4th Grade:

Big Idea: Scientists answer questions about the world around us by carrying out careful investigations.

Essential Question: What do scientists do?

Homework assignments for the week of Sept. 2-5:

Tues: Complete questions page for textbook pages. 5&7
Wed.: Complete "hypothesis and experiment" page


5th Grade:

Big Idea: Scientists answer questions by careful observations and investigations.

Essential Question: What is science?

Homework assignments for the week of Sept. 2-5:

Tues: Complete "conclusions and opinions" page.
Wed.: Complete "knowledge grows and math connection" page.