Ms. Shon's Spectacular Science
  • Blog
    • Unit 0: Scientific Inquiry
    • Unit 1: Earth as a System
    • Unit 2: Rocks and Minerals
    • Unit 3: Chemistry
    • Unit 4: Human Body Systems
    • IPW
  • Videos
    • Unit 0: Scientific Inquiry
    • Unit 1: Earth as a System
    • Unit 2: Rocks and Minerals
    • Unit 3: Chemistry
    • Unit 4: Human Body Systems
    • Ms. Shon's "Home" Videos
    • MS 88 in the Media
    • IPW
    • Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014) >
      • Episode 3: When Knowledge Conquered Fear
  • Announcements & Homework
  • Links
    • Unit 1: Earth as a System
  • Glossary
    • Unit 0: Scientific Inquiry
    • Unit 1: Earth as a System
    • Unit 2: Rocks and Minerals
    • Unit 3: Chemistry
    • Unit 4: Human Body Systems
    • IPW
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Tests and Quizzes
  • Rubrics
  • For Teachers

Scientists are problem-solvers.

9/11/2013

0 Comments

 
On the first day of school, we were challenged to build the tallest possible towers using only uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows.  As we built vertically (upward), we found that it became increasingly difficult to maintain strength and stability.  In fact, many of our towers toppled over after reaching impressive heights, leaving some groups with no choice but to start from ground zero. 

Rather than giving up, we wanted to learn from our experiences.  After testing different models, and observing other groups' models, we asked ourselves questions that directed us towards solutions.  What do the stronger, taller towers have in common?  Do certain shapes make more stable structures?  How does our groups' communication and teamwork affect the stability of our tower? 
Picture
Picture
Scientists are problem-solvers, and therefore, test and build to make things better.  Not to mention, faster, taller, stronger, cheaper, more durable, more comfortable, biodegradable, environmentally conscious, etc. (the list goes on).  This persistent questioning and desire to improve are evident in every scientist.  A good example of this are the scientists who are currently designing new respirator masks upon observing the inefficacy of the masks used during the aftermath of September 11, 2001.  The masks were so uncomfortable that "many yanked them off and left them hanging around their necks", causing many people to be exposed to "highly contaminated air that is suspected of making them sick".

Scientists are now "working on a new generation of respirator masks, not just for rescue and cleanup workers but to prepare for outbreaks of disease and for still another emerging threat: the accidental releases of nanoparticles, the microscopic, engineered fibers that are starting to be used in electronics, food, medicine and more".  Learn more about their progress here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/10/science/improving-respirator-masks-to-put-fresh-air-in-reach.html?pagewanted=all

Although we have yet to test all of our new ideas on how to build the tallest and strongest possible spaghetti and marshmallow towers, we have recognized the value in experimenting with new ideas, identifying patterns, and maintaining clear communication within, and across, groups.  We look forward to testing these skills to solve problems throughout the school year.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    October 2014
    September 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

    Topics

    All
    Background Research
    Black Holes
    Butterflies
    Carbon Dioxide
    Cause And Effect
    Claim
    Conclusion
    Constants
    Control Group
    Controlled Experiments
    Data
    Dependent Variable
    Design Investigation
    Discoveries
    Dr. OPHERC
    Evidence
    Experiment
    Experimental Group
    Field Investigation
    Francesco Redi
    Global Warming
    Goals
    Greenhouse Effect
    Homework
    Human Error
    Hypothesis
    Independent Variable
    Inference
    Lab Safety
    Lab Safety Contract
    Leafcutter Ants
    Limitations
    Louis Pasteur
    Matter
    Methane
    Microorganism
    Mimicry
    Nitrous Oxide
    Observations
    Octopus
    Phenomena
    Problem/Question
    Problem Solvers
    Procedure
    Qualitative
    Quantitative
    Reasoning
    Reliable
    Results
    Science
    Scientific Explanation
    Scientific Method
    Scientists
    Secondary Research Investigation
    Sharks
    Spontaneous Generation
    Testable Question
    Theory
    Trial
    Verify
    Virtues

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly