April 23, 2019 Preschool Steam - Physics is Fun Lesson 6: Spinning

Our last class introduced children to the physics behind spinning.  Students experimented with a variety of items to see which ones would spin and on what surfaces.  They learned about torque, centripetal force, and gravity as they watched a cup of water being swung overhead without spilling.  Then they demonstrated these same forces by spinning a marble, a penny and a hex nut inside a balloon.  Finally they experimented with things that fly when spun:  hand helicopters and rip cord propellers.  Physics is fun!  Pictures are below.  Enjoy!

April 16, 2019 Preschool Steam Class: Physics is Fun! Magnets

Today our Preschool Steam Class focused on magnets.  We learned that Magnetism is another force that is at work all around us in the world.  Our lesson began with the book by Robin Nelson:  Magnets.  We then conducted 4 experiments to answer the questions - "What things are magnetic?"
"How many magnetic things (pipe cleaners) can a magnet hold?" "Can a magnet move an object through water?"  And "Can a magnet suspend things in midair?"  Our final activity was a STEAM challenge that had the students making a maze that used magnets and magnetism to complete.  Our time together went very fast- must have been having fun!  Pictures are below.  Enjoy!

April 9, 2019 Physics is Fun! Lesson 4: Wheels

Preschool Steam Class learned about wheels.  They read the book by David Glover, "Wheels and Cranks.  According to the book, before the wheel was invented  people used rollers to move heavy things.  Students were given a chance to then use rollers themselves and decided rollers don't let things go very far nor very fast.  Wheels were much more fun!  Using wheels (on a furniture dolly) the children could move heavy loads - even the teachers!  And using wheels on Matchbox cars, they could move things very fast!  Our last activity gave them the opportunity to make their own cars.  Wheels were wonderful!

April 2, 2019 Preschool Steam Physics is Fun! Pulleys and Levers

Preschool Steam students focused on the simple machines pulleys and levers. 

They learned first hand that pulleys make lifting heavy loads easier.  Each child was given the opportunity to lift a heavy paint can with first 1, then 2 and then finally 4 pulleys.  They all came to the conclusion that 4 pulleys was the best for lifting a heavy load!

A clothesline  helped emphasize the fact that a pulley changes the direction of a force.  They sent a joke across a clothesline to hear the punchline.  Then, a prize was sent back to them for doing such a good job! 

Levers were introduced by reading the book "Simple Machines: Levers" by David Glover.  Experimentation with levers included a balancing challenge and catapults. 

SoooooooMuchhhhhFunnnnn!