Today was the second Super Saturday! This week we make propeller-powered cars. The kids attached a propeller to a small motor, and then connected that to a 9V battery. Then we did lots and lots (and lots) of time trials! We set up a 30 ft course in the hallway and measured how long it took their creations to make it from start to finish.This week went a lot smoother than last week, at least it felt like it to me! I was still running around like crazy trying to help 5 kids at once, and time the trials, but it was more orderly. The kids worked at their tables, and I broke the building into 2 sessions - first everyone built their car, then we added motors. There was generally less chaos and it was easier to get their attention. I still wish I had an assistant though. It would have been nice to put an assistant in charge of the stopwatch (my phone), so I could have focused on helping the kids who still needed it. But I'm multi-tasking girl, so I just did it all!
Oh, I did have one funny conversation with a kid this week. One of the boys said he remembered me from a day I subbed in his class - not from the school year that we just finished, but the year before that! He then went on to tell me, "Ya, you were there the day we got our yearbooks and I have your signature in mine!" :) And yes, you can read my blog about this day - it was June 4, 2009.
Once again, they all seemed to have a lot of fun! Next week is catapults...I may have to go searching for a helmet. :)
2 comments:
It sounds like you had a successful class. The picture looks like a very cool creation. I'm glad you were able to keep it going smoothly all on your own. Maybe you'll have some help for the catapults. Keep up the good work!
Love you!!! MOM
Be careful what you let them fling! Enjoyed reading about your first two sessions. It can get a bit hectic, we know. Sometimes it helps if the kids are working in teams and help each other. We always encourage them to steal ideas from a successful team. (if they steal one idea, it's plagiarism, if they steal lots of ideas, it's research) Keep up the fun. We'll look forward to reading the next chapter.
Love, Aunt Barbara
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