This week, 3rd grade GT classes experimented with solar energy. Students learned about the transfer of energy and reviewed the concepts of absorption and reflection by making observations and recording temperatures for five different surfaces as affected by the sun's energy: a black surface, a white surface, a concrete surface, a wooden surface, and a grassy surface. Ask the students which surfaces were the warmest and the coolest - and why!
Over the weekend, students would love some computer time to work on another homework assignment - some more energy experiments. There are a variety of virtual labs available online at http://www.wecanchange.com/elementary-school/resources/virtual-labs. Here, students can learn about carbon footprints, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and much more. Thursday classes have already begun these labs in class. Tuesday and Wednesday classes have not yet, but they will spend some class time on them soon. Students should be prepared to share at least three things they learn from the virtual labs.
Next week, we will break out the cereal boxes and work on our secret project. Here's a hint: It's a race!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Over the weekend, students would love some computer time to work on another homework assignment - some more energy experiments. There are a variety of virtual labs available online at http://www.wecanchange.com/elementary-school/resources/virtual-labs. Here, students can learn about carbon footprints, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and much more. Thursday classes have already begun these labs in class. Tuesday and Wednesday classes have not yet, but they will spend some class time on them soon. Students should be prepared to share at least three things they learn from the virtual labs.
Next week, we will break out the cereal boxes and work on our secret project. Here's a hint: It's a race!
Have a wonderful weekend!