2nd Observation

On my second observation I returned to Mrs. Hoffek's room.  She had advanced 6th grade science and their lesson for the day was called "Ball Drop."  The purpose of this was to observe the difference between potential and kinetic energy.  They were given a worksheet and were to complete the steps of the scientific method such as the variables, hypothesis, data, and conclusions.  In order to do this we went to the science lab for their experiment.  The students were assigned to a lab table where they were in groups of 3.  They were to hold a tennis ball at 35 cm and drop it and record the bounce height.  Then they had to repeat these steps for drop heights of 50, 65, and 80 cm.  After the experiment we went back to the classroom and viewed "Types of Energy" on the smartboard.  A Brain Pop video was also shown relating to energy followed by a quiz.  After the quiz there was a fill in the blank activity on the smartboard where the students were sent up to the board to write in the correct answers.  This was a good way to get the students involved and have class participation.