Posted by Laura Miller on February 28th 2010 to
My Posts After a quick break for a Health chapter, we’re back to Science in Room 47. We will begin the FOSS Models and Designs science unit this week. We will assume the roles of scientist as we try to figure out what hidden systems look like and how they work. Then we will change into engineers as we try to design self-propelled carts from simple construction materials. We have an interesting and exciting couple of weeks ahead!
In this module, students learn about scientific models. A scientific model explains a natural system or process that is not totally accessible to direct investigation. We will gather evidence, share ideas with peers, create models, and modify them based on additional evidence. We will learn how to think productively about the unknown.
After we tackle models and expand our points of view and ways of thinking about systems, we will become engineers who design and create products. We will be designing and building carts from sticks, paper clips, wire, rubber bands, and the like. With each passing investigation students face more demanding engineering challenges, and I can expect to see a lot of creativity brought to bear on the problems.
Please take some time to discuss with your student what they’ve been doing in Science class. When they explain and justify their work outside of class, their understanding deepens, and they may be able to delve deeper into the engineering process. Thanks for your continued support, and please feel free to send any questions my way! Photos will be coming soon! (Due to Spring Break, plan on one Science quiz before vacation, and then finishing up the unit and the final test a few weeks after we return – specific dates will be posted!)