The ETRC worked with the Full
Option Science System (FOSS) module "Models and Designs." The
materials are designed to allow the student to begin to develop concepts
of what science is and how the scientific process is used to explore problems
and answer questions. The first activity is entitled the "Black Box."
Students use reason and inference to attempt to discover what is inside
a sealed black plastic box. Students work together in groups, propose hypothesis's
which are then tested and revised. The group then forms a consensus of
opinion and then presents to the class. The groups are then allowed to
work with additional materials to build a model of their original box which
will then lead them to alter their hypothesis yet again. The Black Box
Dr. Allard challenges the groups to to discover what is inside the
black box...
Lisa and Belinda ask questions about the rules of the activity...
Maps (hypothesis) are drawn for the mystery boxes.
Hypothesis's are debated ...
Carla and Rita record their group's hypothesis's...
"Humdingers"
The next challenge came when the class
was asked to produce a model that could satisfy two basic requirements,
a device that would produce a "humming sound" when a cord was pulled in
one direction and when released a bell would sound "ding." Each group of
four students was given a bag of identical materials and then told to begin
constructing their humdinger...
Prof. Dowdy describes the dilemma...
Rita and Patty work on their design...
Now let me see here.... can you hold this for me ...
Patti, Paul and Becky put the final touches on their creation...
I think this design is going to work!
Cars
Everybody likes to play with toy cars!
We worked with some simple materials in order to produce a model car that
could travel a total distance of 3 meters under its own power. We had as
many different designs as we had groups...
With materials in place our first objective is to design and
construct a model that will roll down an incline. Let the modeling begin...
The 2000 Model Year Preview!
The
next objective is to add a self contained power source...
The
next objective is to add a self contained power source...
