Ms. England's Scientists at Work

Field Trip

After discovering and proving that we need light in order to see, we wanted to see a natural light source live. Since it is hard to see stars in the city, we decided to head over to the planetarium. It was so cool to learn all about the constellations and planets. 

After exploring the night sky, we went out to an open area in the park to try to create some darkness of our own. We worked with classmates to create a dark shelter. Everyone was given three yards of black fabric and told they could use whatever resources they could find around them. Our class started by trying to use a tree and a structure made of sticks. However, we quickly realized that this would not work. So we switched to using two trees as posts and using a string to connect them. We also saw another class using their coats and lunch boxes, and we decided to do the same. 

 

Each class completed their own shelter and then had the opportunity to see what the other classes created. It was so much fun! Checking out the other classes designs:

After working so hard it was nice to sit and have a picnic lunch. 

Once we finished eating everyone gathered together to play a space game with Terra Nativa. 

Light Scavenger Hunt

After our investigation into how we need light to see, we wondered how else we use light. So, we went on a scavenger hunt for light. Not only did we find lots of light that helps us to see, we also discovered that we have light all around the school that we use to communicate. We even went into the new gym and Mr. Ricardo turned on the score board for us. We were so excited that everyone had to give him a big hug!

Communicating with Light Design

After identifying a problem in our school (the second graders coming down the ramp outside our class to go to Portuguese are often too loud), we set to work to create a communication device that would tell them when they were being too loud and when they were doing a good job. We came up with some interesting ideas. 

Creation Process

After making the designs and combining several ideas, we set to work. Along the way we had to make some adjustments and learn to communicate with teammates. Sometimes it was difficult, but in the end it was well worth it. 

Feedback

After finishing our communication devices we asked for feedback from other groups. It was very helpful to hear their thoughts and try to answer their questions. 

Testing our Creations

After making a few changes based on the feedback from the other group, we put our creations to the test. After testing we discovered that if we just made a few more little changes our communication devices would be effective.

Group 1:

Group 2:

Group 3:

Group 4: 

We really enjoyed this unit on light! Being a scientist is so much fun! We cannot wait for our next science unit!