Building on our crater investigation, students explored how drop height affects kinetic energy. Just as faster-moving objects can create larger craters on the Moon, students investigated whether a ball dropped from a greater height would have more kinetic energy upon impact. Through this hands-on experiment, students collected and compared data to better understand how height, speed, and energy are connected and how these factors influence crater formation.

Our next unit of study shifted our focus to the Moon. Students reviewed the difference between observations and inferences, as well as subjective and objective language, by observing our class pet, Leo the Leopard Gecko, and examining satellite images of the Moon’s craters. They recorded their observations in their interactive science lab books and participated in a Think-Pair-Share to discuss how craters might form. To investigate further, students conducted an experiment to test how speed affects crater diameter and ray length. They then created bar graphs to organize, interpret, and analyze their quantitative results.

Notecard Tower Drop is a fun, fast-paced team-building game. Students work together to stack cups by quickly pulling out notecards while practicing hand-eye coordination and timing. Student table groups must communicate, encourage one another, share strategies, and work together toward a common goal. The activity helps build trust, cooperation, problem-solving skills, and a positive sense of classroom community.