My 6th grade physical science class recently completed their year end roller coaster project. This is one of my favorite projects each year. Students combine their understanding of forces and Newton's Laws to create a paper coaster with the goal of incorporating as many "point earning" elements as possible. While I do love a good … Continue reading Lessons From a Roller Coaster
Recently, my 6th graders were learning about mixtures, compounds and solutions. A simple lab included with this content tests solubility. How much sugar and salt can water hold at varying temperatures? As science teaches, my students found that the cold water held less than the hot water. We see this often in day to day … Continue reading Finding the Solution
One of my favorite times of the year- The Week of The Roller Coasters! This has become close to a national holiday in my classroom. Students from previous years check in on the progress regularly. "Have they started their roller coasters yet?" "Can we see them when they are done?" "I'm sure you have never … Continue reading The Week of the Roller Coasters
In a world that is ever changing, there are still many things that are consistent and never change. Potential is one of those things. In the science world, potential energy is known as "stored energy" and is often partnered with the term kinetic energy (energy of motion). These two forms of energy follow the Law … Continue reading Meeting Your Potential?
Teaching Beyond the Norm 