Materials do 'Matter'

Monday morning began with estimating the length, and weight of varied objects chosen by the students. While discussing the units of measurement, students suggested vocabulary related to it such as centimeters, meters, kilometers, grams, kilograms, millilitre, and litre. We also had an opportunity to discuss the tools we need to measure different objects and their capacity.

Mr. Sudipta, one of the science teachers and a coordinator from the senior school came to our class for a guest session on different materials and their properties.

Students observing the 'Charlotte's Web' on our school campus

Provocation to introduce capacity/volume. Students observed the artifacts holding a different volume in them. They were then asked to estimate the capacity each one would hold.

We had the opportunity to visit the Science lab for three consecutive days where students observed and tried experiments on the following: 

the distillation process, distance, speed, time, temperature, density, air pressure, electricity, magnetism, light, and sound. 

 Students experimented with how different materials absorb different amounts of water and measured the same using measuring jars. They also calculated the number of times they had to dip the materials to fill the jars. Materials used were paper, wool threads, sponge, cotton, and aluminum foil.

 Students prepared parachutes out of recycled plastic to have hands-on experience of air pressure and time. They were given stopwatches to note the time taken for the parachute to land on the ground floor from the first floor. 

 Experiment on how the color of the flame changes with different chemicals added was demonstrated by Ms. Nisha in the Science Lab.

 A magnetic field experiment with iron pieces and magnets. Students also learned that there are two poles in the magnet- north and south. This experiment also helped them to understand how the poles repel and attract.

Burning of the magnesium wire which turns into grey ash. It changes its form which cannot be reversed.

 Wax experiment to show the process of melting and cooling. These experiments helped them to understand reversible and irreversible changes, also known as Physical and Chemical changes. 

 

  Mr. Sudipta explained the temperature using a hot bag and an ice pack.

With Ms. Robin's help, we began with our poetry session using a picture of Van Gogh's renowned painting. Students came up with extraordinary imaginations and unusual vocabulary describing the picture. It was interesting to see them completely engrossed during this activity. This is followed by using descriptive words to write poems on their own.

We also went to Devendranagar School to continue our action on 'Child Rights'. Students of Grade 3 are teaching their students of Grades 3,4, and 5 the song they created. They also made stick puppets related to the song.

It was hectic but a wonderful week for all of us. Our sincere gratitude to the Science Department of the senior school to enhance our knowledge of different materials and how they react. Special thanks to Ms. Robin for the amazing poetry sessions from the past two weeks.