As the fifth graders wrap up the year, they began constructing their final parachutes. Each of the materials were given a price and their budget was $10. Their goal was to build not only a safe parachute, but also one that was on or under budget!
Category / 5th-Grade Post
Projectile Motion
The fifth graders played the Over and Up Squares math game, where they had to plot ordered pairs. They would get points for plotting coordinates and making line segments and squares. They also learned about projectile motion and air resistance by using a simulation. Using their knowledge about air resistance, it will aid them in constructing their parachutes!
Parachutes!
The fifth grade scholars began designing and testing their parachutes. They had to design a parachute that would be able to land safely on the target. The materials they used were plastic, string, tape, aluminum foil, and coffee filters.
Carbon Cycle and Greenhouse Effect
Today, the fifth graders learned about the Arctic and Antarctica by comparing both of the regions using cards. They learned about the carbon cycle by traveling to and from different stations that represented the atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere. A lot of scholars got stuck in the geosphere. They also learned about the greenhouse effect by observing the effect of light on two jars, one with a closed lid and one without.
First Day Back!
After coming back from winter break, the fifth graders reviewed the decimal system by playing a game involving numbers with decimals. They also played “Name that Number” where they had five cards with numbers on them and a target card. The scholars had to find a strategy that included all of the cards and different operations to reach the number on the target card. They also learned about weather and climate!
Crime Scene Investigation!
The fifth graders had to investigate the crime scene where Red Riding Hood’s basket was stolen! There were four suspects: the Big Bad Wolf, Huey Pig, Dewey Pig, and Louie Pig. The scholars had to use different methods to analyze and figure out who was responsible for this crime. They examined the fingerprints, shoe prints, handwriting, white powder, and DNA that was found at the scene.
Pendulum and Pulley!
The fifth graders learned all about potential and kinetic energy by using pendulums. They used a pencil, string, and washers to set up the pendulums. Using a protractor, they measured the degree at which they had to pull the string. The students also used a simulation to learn about inclined planes and pulleys.
Egg Bungee
Today, the 5th graders learned about the decimal system and place values. They participated in activities that strengthened their knowledge of decimals and their values. During science, they conducted an experiment that included eggs, ziploc bags, and rubber bands. They had many trials and tests. They added more rubber bands each time to see how that would affect the distance the egg would travel downwards.
Simple Machines
The 5th graders learned about wedges and levers through a simulation! They were able to interact with the objects and move them, which showed the different results when a change was made. The students recognized that they use these simple machines in their daily lives, such as a door stopper, which is a wedge.
5th Graders at MSI!
The fifth graders visited the Museum of Science and Industry on October 13! They were able to explore the museum during the STEM Fair. They got to learn more about the different careers of those who work in the STEM fields and visited some of the other exhibits.