As part of our "Structures and Mechanisms" strand, students, in pairs or small groups, were given the challenge of building a cube structure, using only plasticine and spaghetti, that could hold at least one science folder. The record was three science folders! We travelled by TTC downtown on a field trip to the Gardiner Museum to take part in the “Early Societies of the Ancient Americas” program. This program started with a gallery tour of ceramic pieces made by civilizations from the Ancient Americas. After viewing the exhibits, we had the opportunity to create an Ancient Americas figure in a hands-on clay class in the studio.
After creating our masterpieces, we went across the street to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to go on the “Conservation of Energy & Resources” gallery tour. This program allowed students to discover the sources of different varieties of energy and resources, investigate how energy can be transformed from one form into another, and discuss the importance of conservation in plotting a sustainable future in the Dinosaur, Schad, and Teck Suite of galleries. On our trip to the Ontario Centre, we participated in the "Pulleys and Gears" workshop to investigate how these simple machines make life easier by changing force, speed and direction to give users the mechanical advantage. After having lunch, we viewed the IMAX film, Journey to Space. which presented some of the greatest technological leaps in space exploration, including creating structures and developing self-sustaining travel needed to send humans to Mars within a generation. Then, it was time to let our curious minds wander free while exploring the many interactive exhibits! Students built bridges, using only straws and masking tape, as part of our current "Structures and Mechanisms" strand that could hold as many water bottles as possible. Each group successfully completed a bridge that held at least one 1 L filled water bottle! Plastic Straw Bridge Challenge |
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