Sycamore Newsletter

OUR TRIP TO SYCAMORE
What is my purpose?
Sycamore School
Indianapolis, IN
February 18th, 2014
Ms. Ruffolos Classroom Newsletter

We Want Science!
Ms. Heineman, Ms. Merar and I chose the Penny Boat experiment to be our station. Other stations around the classroom included the following: Layered Liquids, Coke/Diet Coke, Salt Volcano, and Bubbles Inside of Bubbles. We had about 22 students in Mrs. Wrights classroom that visited each station for a short while. I am a junior at Butler University and am currently enrolled in Dr. Catherine Pangans Block B class. This course provides us, pre-service teachers, with the theoretical and practical foundation for teaching science and social studies in the early/middle childhood settings. This was our first visit to Sycamore Elementary School. Today was a special day because we had the opportunity to teach Mrs. Wrights 3rd grade class a lesson related to density! From the moment we walked in, you could feel the energy and excitement coming from the students within the room. We tried to refer to them as scientists as much as possible because we all are scientists in our own way! Before our visit to Sycamore, we chose our favorite density-related, science experiments to ensure that students will have the most memorable experience yet.
Penny Boat Station

Students were given a small sheet of aluminum foil, a handful of pennies, and two tubs of water. Their task was to construct a floatable boat with the foil that would withstand the weight of numerous pennies. After finishing their first trial, they were challenged to build a second boat with modifications and adjustments.
I made shorter sides because I think that will help it float better. Elise R. Maybe a square can hold more than a circle. Barack F. Im going to make an upside-down dome because that will hold a lot of pennies. Olivia H. I made it wider and the walls less tall. I think it will make it lighter. Fritz H.
Ms. Russikoff begins the lesson with an activity about density. The more people within a small area, the more dense it becomes.
Students Predictions
Ms. Ruffolos Classroom Newsletter Page 2
What Happened?
Students that visited the Penny Boat activity learned a great deal about trial and error methods. We, as teachers, made it a point not to give away helpful hints throughout our lesson explanation. By letting the students decide what structure best fits this task, they were able to learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of their classmates. I found it appropriate and beneficial to create a second boat because its important for students to see their progress and changes. The discussions that arose from this activity introduced new terms, such as equilibrium and weight shift, surface area, and symmetry.
This student is counting the number of pennies that can fit into their boat before sinking.
5E Model (Lesson Plan Basis)

1. Engage: present students with a challenge. 2. Explore: allow time for the students to attempt the experiment, as well as think of alternative ways to build their boats more successfully. 3. Explain: inquire why some boats were successful, while others were not. 4. Elaborate: discuss the modifications and potential adjustments for future use. 5. Evaluate: observe the students, record their thinking, and facilitate their learning.
Students Understanding
I made curls on each edge so the water wouldnt get in. Rajeev H. A circle will work best because then you can put pennies on every side and make it even out the weight. The key is you have to evenly distribute the weight. Jaclyn C. The second one I made didnt have much space or walls so water got on it easier and it got heavy. Elise R. Now I made a sturdy bottom and firm sides. Brooklyn S. I made it bigger so that it will hold more. Chloe K.
Congratulations to Jaclyn on having the strongest boat! Her penny boat could hold 61 pennies. She said, Having a wide, square base with higher edges led to a stronger boat.
Thank You!
Special thanks are due the following: - Thank you, students of Mrs. Wrights class, for allowing us into your classroom and teaching us how to best teach you. You were extremely supportive and fun! - Thank you, teachers and Sycamore School, for allowing us to collaborate with your students both here and at the Childrens Museum this semester. I cant wait to see what the future holds!

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OUR TRIP TO SYCAMORE

Ms. Ruffolos Classroom Newsletter

Penny Boat Station

Ms. Ruffolos Classroom Newsletter Page 2

5E Model (Lesson Plan Basis)

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