This week, we continued exploring evidence to prove that the Earth moves.
On Monday, we looked at what events are caused by the movement of the Earth (day/night and the year). Then, we looked at how different rotations and revolutions of other planets would impact our ages. We learned that on Mercury, due to a shorter revolution, our 5th grade would be populated with people approaching middle age, though on Pluto no one even reached their first birthday. We also learned that a day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus! Finally, we watched several videos and tried to find further proof that the Earth rotates and revolves - including why it appears that the sun moves across the sky and how the motion and the tilt of the Earth lead to our seasons.
On Tuesday, after a quick review of rotation and revolution, I showed the students a video taken by an astrophotographer who, through the use of an equatorial mounted tripod, a fixed focus on the North Star, a time lapse, was able to show the movement of the Earth. See the video below and enjoy, it is both beautiful and awesome!
We then began discussing shadows and how they might prove that the Earth moves. We began the lesson watching two videos - one of shadow puppets and one of a toddler who discovered her shadow. Students were asked to silently think about what causes shadows and how shadows change in size and color.
Next, the kids completed a document on shadows. First, they were asked to answer six questions about shadows based on what they already knew and what they thought they knew. Then, working with their table groups they were asked to compare what they thought with their peers and come up with a group answer for the same six questions. Finally, after reading about shadows and watching a video, students were asked to answer the same six questions based on what they now knew based on research.
On Wednesday, the students conducted a shadow lab in which they were tasked with exploring the concepts that they had read about in the previous class. They compared the difference in shadows with a clear cup vs a paper cup, they investigated how to change the length and angle of shadows, and finally they were asked to consider how the shadow of a non-moving pole would change throughout the day. The pictures below are of the kids conducting the lab.
On Thursday, we explored the stars. First we looked at how the movement of the constellations and the creation of star trails provide further proof that the Earth rotates and revolves. Then, we looked at the properties of stars: brightness (both apparent and absolute), color and size through a quick lab and supporting texts and video.
Finally, we ended the week with discussion that led to a unanimous decision that Mars was not, in fact, habitable based on conditions such as low atmospheric pressure, lack of breathable air, lack of available water, and an average planetary temperature in the negatives. However, with things on Earth getting dire and Mars being rocky and relatively close, NASA gave our student scientists a variety of missions to allow us to further explore the Red Planet.
Students were divided into four different mission teams and given four different missions, all with different goals to help determine the true habitability of Mars. How the missions were divided among the team members was decided by the teams. The only requirements were that all missions had to be completed and that each team member had to complete at least one mission. More details and pictures to follow next week.
REQUESTS AND REMINDERS
REQUEST:
If anyone would be able to donate any of the items below for Mars activity it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance to all who donate.
Popsicle sticks (both large and small)
Chopsticks (wooden)
Plastic wrap
Wax paper
Aluminum Foil
Plastic small cups (around the size of dixie cups)
REMINDER:
I want to remind everyone that I will be out for medical leave starting Friday, February 16 - March 1. Your children will be in great hands and I have planned content and learning even though I will not be here. I will miss all of the kids but will be back on March 4.