From bacteria to bridges and from molecules to mystery murders, ISP scientists continue to think, question, and learn. Science in a Distance Learning setting provides unique challenges that our expert educators take seriously. Thanks to their creativity, live demonstrations and the digital tools they are leveraging, teachers rise to this distance learning challenge and students are progressing with their scientific understanding and skills. Here are a few glimpses into what our young ISP scientists (Grades 6 to 10) were exploring this week:
Grade 6: Bacteria Lab
Grade 6 students are further honing their scientific skills through hypothesizing about antibiotics and cleaning agents, identifying variables, engaging in a virtual lab, and finally drawing conclusions. Learners connect the complexity of bacteria to everyday ways we combat them in our bodies and in our houses.
Grade 7: Bridges
Grade 7 students are extending their learning about forces, such as tension and compression, through an investigation into how different bridges manage forces in different ways. Their ultimate challenge will be to build their own bridge as part of a competition. Students will need to consider and connect the span, the type material being used, the role shape plays and size as they design and build the strongest bridge possible.
Grade 8: Acids & Bases
Grade 8 students are deepening their understanding about acids & bases and how we determine PH levels. Learners are considering connecting common characteristics of acids and bases to hypothesize what typical liquids they see every day would be considered. After Mr. Hannam demonstrated how indicators work, students are now creating their own homemade acid/base indicator. Learners will then test liquids in their home to check their original hypotheses.
Grade 9: Population Sampling
After practicing the Lincoln method of population sampling at home with beans or pasta, these young scientists shared and compared their findings. With a better understanding of the sampling process, students are now connecting this key skill of biologists with examining various contexts where there are either human and natural threats to biodiversity.
Grade 10: Murder Mysteries and Medieval weapons and Methane
The periodic table took on a whole new flavor as Grade 10 students were hooked by the connections of elements to a murder mystery and a medieval weapon. Mr. Thornley masterfly modeled multiple elements so learners could connect their location on the periodic table with predicting the “stickiness” of the molecules and whether the boiling point would be higher or lower.
| Rather than seeing isolated facts, deep learners see patterns and connections because they understand the underlying structures of what they’re exploring The Why, What, Where, How of Deeper Learning. |
We know that engaged learners are more motivated learners, pushing themselves deeper in understanding, furthering their skills and becoming passionate investigators who will ultimately contribute responsibly to our world.
We are thrilled to see so many of our young scientists considering and connecting complex ideas even during distance learning.
