Welcome to our first week of “Energy,” where we delve into the world of light, wind, and sound!
We kicked off our exploration by observing and discussing the different forms of energy found in our environment. Specifically, we noted how we make use of sunlight and electricity at school and in our homes, feel the wind on our faces while watching trees dance in the breeze, and hear sounds both loud and soft inside and outside of the classroom.
While in the classroom, we compared the differences between sunlight and artificial light, noting how sunlight, while outside of our control, can be compensated with adjustable artificial light. Using handmade suncatchers, we observed how both natural and artificial white light can be filtered down into various colors after passing through colored films.
Additionally, we created paper pinwheels and ribbon wands to study the wind, taking our creations outdoors to watch them spin and flutter in the breeze. We also crafted our own pellet drums to explore the production of sound, twisting the instruments between our hands and letting the beads rattle against the drumheads.
For our cooking activity this week, we made our own variation of the Korean dish called “bibimbap.” We chose from a selection of nutritious toppings, including carrots, peas, ham, and corn, and personalized our rice bowls to enjoy at home.
Stay tuned for next week, where we’ll continue expanding our knowledge on “Energy!”
Students cut out pictures depicting various forms of heat, light, and sound energy. Then they pasted the cutouts into the corresponding columns.
Students first colored in their own underwater scene on laminated sheets. Then by using black paper as the background and using white paper as a “flashlight,” students used the “flashlight” to find the sea creatures “swimming in the dark.”
Students colored and designed their suncatchers first before cutting it out and testing how colors gleam and glow around the room when sun rays shine through the design.
Students folded and rolled construction paper to create paper pinwheels that they then took outside to harness the wind.
Students created ribbon wands and made them “fly,” utilizing both the energy of their hands and the wind.
Students painted and designed their tambourines.
Students made their own traditional Chinese pellet drum, or bolang gu, using recycled materials and beads. They first designed their drumheads on paper plates and attached them to a straw rod before finishing it by adding beads to the sides of the drums using string. They practiced making beats by twisting the straw rod in between their hands or turning it quickly so that the beads struck the drumheads.
Students conducted an experiment to test and visualize sound energy using salt. They first covered the top of a paper cup with plastic wrap and carefully poured some salt onto it. The students then took turns raising their voices while observing that the salt started to bounce, almost as if it were dancing.
For our cooking activity this week, students made a variation of bibimbap. They chose ingredients such as carrots, peas, corn, and ham and added it to their rice bowl to create a hearty snack to enjoy at home.
Students ran, played with balls, and practiced “driving” on the playground with their hula hoop steering wheels!
