Category: Experiments: Science Made Fun

LIMELIGHT SCHOOL OF THE WEEK!

 

The Limelight School of the Week is…. Vandora Springs Elementary School in Garner, NC.

 

 

TEACHER:  Ms. Allaman

GRADE: 2nd grade

PROGRAM:  Cycle Babble

SCIENTIST:  Meteor Martin

 

Good Day to all the wonderful and extremely talented Scientists out there.  With Summer just around the corner, I assume those of you in traditional schools, are counting down the days until vacation and all the fun you will have traveling, going to the pool, summer cookouts, and hopefully seeing me in Summer Camps around the area!  For those of you in year-round schools, I’m sorry, but you will still be able to have loads of fun, and just think, at least you will be cool sitting in the classroom with all of your friends.

This week I want to give a huge shout out to Mrs. Allamon and the rest of the 2nd Grade teachers and students at Vandora Springs Elementary.  I had the opportunity to work with these bright and enthusiastic students not once, but twice, in one week.  We had such a great time leaning about the Life Cycles of organisms as well as different aspects of Weather.

I quite often mention to children during classes that little did they know, that they were going to be participating in not only a science class but also an art class at the same time. This lesson plan on life cycles is no joke as we build all four stages of metamorphosis of an insect from egg to adult.  I enjoy how most students will line their desks in correct order as we complete each stage.

One of my favorite subjects is Meteorology and I love being able to transfer my enthusiasm about weather to the children.  We covered information about our atmosphere, random collisions of particles as well as talking about low- and high-pressure systems.  The most exciting part of the lesson was when the kids are able to see how it is possible to blow up an eight-foot wind bag with only one breath.  I wish you could hear all the oohs and aahs from the children as the experiment works.  The bewilderment on their faces is truly something to witness.

I would like to thank Mrs. Allamon and the rest of the very helpful 2nd Grade staff for having High Touch High Tech be part of the curriculum at Vandora Springs Elementary.  I can’t wait to see you all again next year.  I hope your summer is safe, restful and full of fun adventures.

Until net year, this is “Meteor” Martin blasting off!!!

LIMELIGHT SCHOOL OF THE WEEK!

 

 

 

GRADE:    4th

TEACHER:  Ms. Mason

PROGRAM:  It Doesn’t Phase Me

SCIENTIST:  Meteor Martin

 

Limelight School of the Week:  Cape Fear Christian Academy

 

Hello Scientists, I hope everyone is having a wonderful and exciting Spring.  Playing sports, riding bikes, and enjoying this weather in anticipation of being able to go to the pool and cooking on the grill. Our season has been jammed pack full of classes and meeting new students and teachers.  One of those new groups was the Fourth Graders at Cape Fear Christian Academy in Erwin, NC.

I believe I have stated before, one of my favorite things is to go into a classroom for the first time and see how the children begin the class so quiet and shy because they have no idea what to expect or how exciting things are about to get and within 10 minutes everyone is raising their hands, asking questions, telling me stories, so much so that I often have to tell the kids that I wish I could keep calling on them but if we don’t continue the lesson, we will never complete all the great activities.

We had so much fun with our lesson “It Doesn’t Phase Me,” learning about the moon and where it came from, learning and making craters as well as covering the different phases of the moon.

After class, while I was cleaning up, the children began asking me questions.  Some were science related and then others were off the wall such as do I know the WOAH.  I said, “the what.”  Then they proceeded to show me some new dance called the WOAH.  After I did it, the entire class began clapping and cheering.  IT WAS AWESOME!!!

Well, I would like to thank Mrs. Mason and the Fourth Graders at Cape Fear Christian Academy for having High Touch High Tech be part of your lesson and I can’t wait to see you again next year.

This is “Meteor” Martin blasting off.

 

 

Limelight School Of The Week…..

 

GRADE:    Pre-School

TEACHER:  Ms. Fox

PROGRAM:  Shoot For The Stars

SCIENTIST:  Meteor Martin

 

This week’s LIMELIGHT SCHOOL OF THE WEEK IS……Duke Memorial Weekday School, Durham, NC

 

Hello Scientists.  I hope everyone has had a wonderful and Scientifically great week.  The last few months have been soooo busy with all the new schools and lessons that have been going on here at High Touch High Tech of RDU and surrounding areas.  I have met tons of new friends and some truly incredible teachers.  One of these just so happens to be Duke Memorial Weekday School in Durham, NC.

While at Duke Memorial, I had the pleasure of working with some amazing Preschools who had the opportunity to learn about and explore outer space while we “Shoot for the Stars.”  These children blew me away with their knowledge of what you can find in outer space and even that “Shooting stars are really Meteors” WOW! That was great.

These kids were fantastic little astronauts as we learned about stars, constellations and shooting starts.  They took tuns, waited patiently as I distributed the materials and shared as well as any other class that I have worked with.  Hats off to Mrs. Fox and the rest of the teachers.  I can’t wait to have the chance to work with you all again

As a side note, one of the little boys was walking out of the room with who I found out to be his brother.  I asked if they were twins and the little boy said, “Yes, but we don’t have the same birthday.”  So, I leave you with that little tiny brain teaser and until next time, this is “Meteor” Martin Blasting off!!! 😊

“From the Field”

Molecule Mike – “Sounds Like Fun”

You can’t predict those purpose-affirming moments that often happen in classrooms. All it takes is one comment or thought-provoking question from a precocious student to remind you that making science fun and increasing science literacy is critical and impactful work.

During a recent in-school field trip for 2nd graders at Evergreen Charter School, a clever and brave student had a fantastic contribution to the program, “Sounds Like Fun”, that made my day and enhanced everyone’s experience. The parking lot was adjacent to the schools’ tree-level ropes course and every adult I spoke to let me know where fresh coffee could be found so I knew this would be a good day!

While breaking down sound as vibrations and how our ears translate vibrations into something our brains understand, I use a tuning fork as a visual/audible aid. A student raised his hand to share an experience he had using a tuning fork. It is always a gamble asking for a student to contribute a related anecdote; relevance is subjective. This young man told our whole group about how doctors had used a tuning fork touched to his forehead to help study his hearing and provide the best hearing device which he received the previous week. How cool! I told him, what a great example of vibrations and the tiny bones that help us hear.

Sometimes being different in school can be tough. I think the experience shared by this student took at least a bit of courage, yet he offered it to help explain an abstract concept to peers and ended up being the star of the day. I appreciated his story so much, I shared it with the next class and anyone else who asked how my day went.

High Touch High Tech programs are great for engaging students’ imaginations with hands-on activities but nothing I prepared could have provided the emotional connection to the material this student shared. Students trust what kids their ages say which makes this a story I’ll use every time I teach “Sounds Like Fun”. Something a 2nd grader taught me. How cool!

Limelight School Of The Week!

 

GRADE:    5th Grade

TEACHER:  Ms. Greggory

PROGRAM:  Meteorology Madness

SCIENTIST:  Meteor Martin

 

This week’s LIMELIGHT SCHOOL OF THE WEEK IS……LaFayette Elementary School, Fuquay-Varina, NC

Hello Scientists, I hope that everyone has had a scientifically wonderful week.  Our Limelight school is none other that the legendary, Lafayette Elementary. I would like to begin by thanking the administration, teachers and students for making High Touch High Tech such a huge part of your school’s yearly calendar and for allowing me the opportunity to get to know so many of you.  It is such a great feeling to walk down the halls and receive so many high fives from the kids and just as many good mornings from the staff.  The pleasure is all mine.

This week, the fifth graders and I were able to discuss and explore several different meteorological events including:  clouds, lightning, thunder, pressure systems and more.  I must give high praises to the teachers because it seemed as if the children knew as much about Meteorology as I do.  Way to go guys!

I love to pay attention as the children perform each experiment and listen as they talk to one another.  It is the best way to get a true impression as to how much they are enjoying the programs.  At one point I heard one of them say, “This is amazing” and another asked me after our lesson was over if I “could go to lunch with them.”  Maybe next time guys.

I want to thank Mrs. Gregory and the rest of the fifth-grade staff for everything that you do to make High Touch High Tech so important in your teaching.  I will see you all next week, when I return to work with the 4th graders and we learn all about the Moon. 😊

Until next time, this is “Meteor” Martin blasting off!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Is everyone looking forward to the long holiday weekend? The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping, food is smelling and tasting fantastic. Also……the children are out of school.

While the adults are cooking, watching football or shopping here are some FUN things for the children to do!

 

 

13 Family Thanksgiving Games That Have Nothing to Do With Football!  Click here!

Free Printable Thanksgiving Craft Ideas!  Click here!

Thanksgiving Science: 6 Experiments You Can Do With Food! Click here!

Hope these suggestions keep the children busy while they are on Thanksgiving break!

 

A Scientists Week at HTHT

Hello scientists, this is Meteor Martin and I am going to discuss our lessons for the week of Nov. 5th, 2018.  First, we had Kindergartner’s work on Weather Wizards.  Next some 3rd graders loved The Body Shop and finally we studied ecosystems with 5th graders and went on an Eco Safari.

 

For Weather Wizards, we discussed and discovered different weather events and climates as the children had a chance to “touch” lightning and “see” thunder.  Next, we went ice fishing, and the kids learned to pick up ice with a piece of string using a secret ingredient.  Finally, we all made instant snow that the teacher could keep and use it throughout the school year.

 

 

 

The Body Shop was a blast!  The 3rd graders were able to see first hand digestion of a cracker using saliva.  Then, everyone made a polymer very similar to how our digestive system takes food and turns it into energy.  Next, we got to take a very close, HANDS ON look at a cow liver, kidney and heart.  The reactions of the children were priceless.

 

 

 

Finally, this week, we went on a safari to explore and talk about ecosystems.  The children made a rain forest from the ground up as we spoke about its different layers and what they are comprised of.  Next, each child made there very own corral reef with bright colors and sea weed.

Whew, What A  Week!!! Now to get supplies ready for some more fun and exciting hands-on experiments next week!

 

 

 

For more information on programs or reservations,

Contact us at 800.444.4968 or at

ScienceMadeFunRDU.net

Halloween

What is the real meaning of Halloween?

Halloween was originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. … The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.

Who started Halloween?

Halloween began as the festival of Samhain. It was part of the ancient Celtic religion in Britain and other parts of Europe. At the end of summer, the Celts thought the barrier between our world and the world of ghosts and spirits got really thin.

How did Trick or Treating start?

In North America, trick-or-treating has been a Halloween tradition since the late 1920s. In Britain and Ireland the tradition of going house-to-house collecting food at Halloween goes back at least as far as the 16th century, as had the tradition of people wearing costumes at Halloween.

How is Halloween Celebrated?

Many Americans celebrate the traditions of Halloween by dressing in costumes and telling tales of witches and ghosts. Pumpkins are carved into glowering jack-o’-lanterns. Children parade from house to house, knocking on doors and calling out “Trick or treat!” hoping to have their bags filled with candy.

Why do we Carve Pumpkins at Halloween?

Pumpkins are a Symbol of Halloween. The tradition of carving faces into vegetables dates to the Celts. As part of their autumnal celebration, they wanted to light the way to their homes for the good spirits, so they carved faces into vegetables such as turnips and squash.

Check out our experiments page and make some “Pumpkin Putty” with the children.   http://sciencemadefunwnc.net/experiments.cfm

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

Source: Images Pixaby
Source: Google.com

Word of the Week

 

The Word of the week is: PHASE.

The definition of a phase is: a distinct period or stage in a process of change or forming part of something’s development.

The science experiment is: Ice Cube Fishing.

 

 

Now, we have a word of the week, a definition of the word of the week, and we also have a  High Touch High Tech at home science experiment that goes with the word of the week!

Do you know what the Ice Cube Fishing science experiment has to do with the word PHASE?

As we can see in the definition of a PHASE, it means a stage in a process  of change, well when we tie the frozen ice cube to a string and put it in salt water, the salt water starts to melt the ice cube (Salt lowers the freezing point of water) and because of the ice cube melting it caused the string to freeze to the ice.

So as you can see, we ended up having many phases that the ice cube and string went through.

 

Make sure you check out our online at home Science experiment, Ice Cube Fishing, along with many more at home Science experiments!

 


 

http://sciencemadefunwnc.net/downloads/cube2.pdf  AND http://sciencemadefunwnc.net/