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Creating opportunities for young scientists to engage in exciting inquiry-based investigations
River Rafting: Students were challenged to create a vessel that would float a rock downstream using found natural materials and string. First, partners created a “harbor” to build and test their designs. After testing and refining their vessels within the safety of their harbor the partners floated the modified designs down the main channel of the river. Concepts focused on were buoyancy, stability, hydrodynamics, construction techniques and the process of design technology.
The Summer Science Camp 2010 was funded by the Stowe Education Fund. The instructors were Neidi Suursoo and Michael Rapoport, both of whom teach at Stowe Elementary School.
Marble Mania:
Students explored the properties of physics by using marbles and a variety of ramps, tracks and blocks to meet specific challenges. Students had to consider incline, momentum, inertia and friction. For example, students were asked to make their marble travel forward then include a 360° loop and continue forward again. The final task was to keep the marble moving above floor level for as long as possible. Students solved the challenges in many creative ways while having a great deal of fun.
Woodland Structures: In the Stowe Town Forest, students created structures with available natural non-living resources and utilizing live materials without harming them. In each design, students had to consider the footprint of the structure, bracing, strength and proper material selection. Structures had to be two “stories” high and include a roof. The students now appreciate what it takes to successfully design and construct a shelter.
Forces of Flight: Students explored the forces of flight through experiments and the building of three different types of flying machines, a helicopter, straw plane and airplane. Once each student built the basic flying platform they modified their designs considering, pitch, roll, weight and balance and wing size. Finally, each student took their best design and tested it outside for greatest distance, maneuverability and climb rate.
Goo Chemistry: At the beginning of the week, some students expressed an interest in doing chemistry. This last day we had fun with polymer chemistry by making oobleck (cornstarch and water) and following four recipes for Silly Putty. The students experienced how different ratios of the same two solutions (glue and water; and borax and water), when combined, create matter with different attributes.
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