Fifth graders spent time experimenting to determine appropriate materials for space gloves to go to Mars.  They tested different types of gloves to see which would be able to perform various challenges.

As part of their Mars study, students spent a full day working with Mrs. Pedersen to build, test, and code a robot.  There was a lot of problem solving involved! 

Fifth graders continued their Mars study using experiments designed by Starbase in Minnesota.  This experiment led students to use data to predict a target zone for a Mars landing system.

Students had another opportunity for experimenting with the Science From Scientists group.  They used their knowledge and skills in chemistry to identify a mystery powder.

As part of their Starbase unit, fifth graders looked at designing a Mars base.  They used cards to identify the types of energy used for each building in order to generate their plan within certain parameters. 

Fifth graders have been conducting different experiments in their Starbase unit to understand how future Mars explorers may need to use chemistry.  This one was on chromatography, or separating different colors into their parts.  

The Bakken Museum held workshops for each of the fifth grade classrooms today.  They focused on energy conversion.  Students experimented with different ways of changing energy from one form to another and learned that energy cannot be created, just change.