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!