General Topics: States of Matter, Heat, Light, Electricity, Kinetic Energy, Mechanical Energy, Gravity Programming

Grade Level: 2-3

In these classes, we learned about Energy in different forms such as electric, heat, light, and kinetic. We made projects to explore these different areas through hands-on activities that were fun and instructional.

States of Matter

We were given an introduction to the different states of matter and made a project that explored a peculiar substance that could act as two states of matter simultaneously depending on how you treated it! Oobleck! This substance becomes a solid when force is applied, and a liquid when released. Students varied the viscosity of Oobleck as they desired and saw the effect adding more corn starch had on the Oobleck.

The next class had us learn about the states of matter by viewing water change from state to state. Students first began by learning what exactly water was (H2O!) and how the molecules’ anatomy was set up. Students made a water molecule to understand anatomy. Then, students were given thermometers, beakers with ice, and hotplates to see the water go through its states while also understanding how temperature varies throughout these states.

Electric Energy

In this class, we learned about conductive materials and a bit about electronics and circuit building by making circuits using clay! Students were given both conductive and insulating clay to use for their circuit making. We made simple light circuits and slightly more advanced clay designs.

Heat & Light Energy

Together we learned about fire, light, and the visible spectrum. Students were shown a demonstration of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, to understand how oxygen powers a flame.

Next, the students were given a lit candle and a magnifying glass and asked to color a flame diagram with the colors they saw. Students learned why the flame was different colors at different points and what composes each area.

The last activity was to create a candle using beaded wax! Students used their creativity to make designs when making their unique candle in a jar.

Kinetic Energy

Rolling into the end to the term! In this class, we learned about gravity and kinetic energy. Students created marble ramps from paper, using straight ramps and turns, to be most creative with their designs