Science Fun!

In my science activity the students will have the opportunity to make predictions about forces applied to objects. After making predictions, the students will be able to do an experiment to test their hypotheses. We will use a small scale to weigh different objects, then use a fan set at the same speed (same force) for each object (one at a time) to see how far the object is blown. The students will keep track of the data and then make a bar graph using Kidspiration to graph the data and compare the effects of a force of the same strength on different weighted objects.

I chose Standard 3, Objective 2 from the 3rd grade core. Indicator a says: Predict and observe what happens when a force is applied to an object (e.g., wind, flowing water). Indicator b says: Compare and chart the relative effects of a force of the same strength on objects of different weight (e.g., the breeze from a fan will move a piece of paper but may not move a piece of cardboard).

Pedagogical strategies that I will have the students use are: predicting, constructing hypotheses, measuring, and acquiring and processing data through constructing graphs. Collecting this data and creating a graph will help the students organize and compare the data.

The technology I will be using for this activity is a small postage scale to weigh the objects, and the Kidspiration program for students to graph their data. The Kidspiration program is a kid-friendly tool that will help the students organize their information into a good graphical representation.