In the second trimester the 3d graders are learning about simple machines. In their first experiments they explored the lever. Here students were asked to balance their levers with particular objects. By positioning the objects of different weights in certain positions on each side of the lever, they were able to make the lever balanced. This took patience and precision and the 3rd graders were able to get all the lever challenges.
Science goes hand-in-hand with math. Before the students could work on inclined planes they learned how to use a spring scale and a protractor. A spring scale can be used to measure the weight of an object or how much force it takes to more an object. Many students had seen a spring scale being used to measure the weight of fish when family members go fishing. Students practiced weighing marbles and washers.
In their next lab students would have to measure the steepness of the inclined plane. In order to do that they needed to know how to use a protractor which measures angles. Students had mentioned previous knowledge of angles by using the math vocabulary such as obtuse, right and acute angles.
The most current simple machine is the inclined plane. They were asked, if you had to move a piece of heavy furniture onto a truck, would you use a steep inclined plane or a not-so steep inclined plane. Using their data that they collected students reflected on which ramp would be best and why. Students had to measure the angles of each type of ramp, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°. However in order to measure the degrees, students had a quick math lesson on how to use a protractor, a tool used to measure angles. They did great in their math lesson. Hopefully they will see how math and science go hand-in-hand.
Check out the video which showcases their level and inclined plane experiment.
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