Young Engineers
This year we are excited to "elevate" our science knowledge as we dig in to our new Science curriculum again (Elevate Science) from the Savvas Learning Company. The first topic we've been learning about in 2nd grade is Physical Science: Properties of Matter. Today, we started working through our first Investigative Lab. To build the anticipation of our first project, we discussed how beavers can teach engineers to help design dams to change the flow of water. Then we drew "lucky duck" sticks to determine our partners and spent a few minutes brainstorming ideas for our model designs. Each team then set to work to see if they could build a dam that would change the way water flows and hopefully hold most of the water back. Each group was given a tub of supplies which included popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, glue, and modeling clay. Everyone had amazing conversations and ideas and some learned to remain persistent and keep adjusting their plans. We looked at pictures of real dams, like the Gavins Point Dam in Yankton, SD and talked about our local dam at Island Park here in Rock Rapids. Upon completion, we tested our models and it was so fun to hear all of the excitement and anticipation. After testing all of the dams, we learned that we had all but two models that held the water back completely. We also learned that if given the chance to repair our dams, we would have sealed the sides and the bottom better as water is able to sneak through even the tiniest of spaces, especially when pressure and gravity are forcing the liquid downhill. Be sure to click on the top photo of each picture as we take you through our building and testing process. Science sure is FUN!
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