Family Science

contributed by Harry Wood, Science Teacher

Exploding volcanoes? Crashing books? Squinty faces? What’s going on!?! It’s Family Science on Team 6/7/8 at Kendall School! For three weeks, students and their families along with teachers have been conducting various science experiments in the name of…well…science!

The first week, the theme was Earth Science. Students learned about cleaning up oil spills, ocean layers, desert temperatures, and made their own fossils. As a wrap up to the evening, they teamed up to construct a volcano and we watched the lava flow! Watch the movie!

The following week, students and families explored the area of Life Science. Students experimented with their senses of touch, taste, and smell. Boy, there were a lot of faces that looked unpleasant that night! Students also conducted an experiment that helped them understand why bones are strong. Students even got to take home a flower seed that they planted. Here’s hoping they will grow!

The final week, students dived into the world of Physical Science. They conducted experiments that involved how to build an aerodynamic plane, how to build the sturdiest boat, and how to float a paper clip on water among other things. Minds were boggled that night as some experiments failed and others worked. For the final experiment of the night, students constructed a car that was to quickly go down a ramp and hit a wall – at the same time protecting an egg from being crushed. Watch the movie!

We also had a guessing game at the beginning of each night. The first week, we tried to guess what temperature a volcano is at when it erupts. It was 2100 degrees! Boy, that’s hot! The second week’s answer that students discovered was that it took only 13 muscles to smile! In the final week, students learned that it takes 8 ½ minutes for light to travel from the sun to Earth.

The main goal of this Family Science event is for students to come with their families and have a good time while discovering the wonders of science. There was much surprise, laughter, and enjoyment. Many students and their families enjoyed themselves, as well as did all the volunteers involved. We hope to make this a yearly learning experience, as it was an “experiment” this year.

COMMENTS from parents and students:

Anything to get students and parents working together is a good thing. –John, Ashley’s father

Great fun, informative, organized, excellent. Do it again next year. Maybe the cars could be homework! –Beth, Breanna’s mother

It was awesome! Do it again and forever! –Tiffany, David’s sister

Read Ando Ferguson's account.