This week at GATE started out with the 5th graders testing a DIY knitting technique to see if it could be a possibility to try with younger GATE students. They used a toilet paper tube, tape, and 5 popsicle sticks to create a knitting cylinder. Students made everything from snakes to pencil sweaters to tiny stuffies. We deemed the activity a bit too tricky for many of the younger students, but it was still a lot of fun and a good challenge. We also tackled some brain teasers in the morning. 

In the afternoon, we got to the challenging scientific work. Students first learned the difference between quantitative and qualitative data. They were then introduced to the Western Scientific Method. Some students had seen similar processes before, but not laid out quite like the flow charter we are following. The students will be conducting their own microscopic inquiry project using the Western Scientific Method and identifying their data as quantitative or qualitative. Their question must be able to be explored with a microscope in the classroom. They worked to set up a presentation slideshow with each step of the Method as a slide. Next week, they will conduct their microscopy work, draw conclusions, and present their findings.

Please have students return GATE Library books ASAP. Thank you!