Electricity and Magnetism Show

A few years ago a parent built an electricity board for demonstrating the flow of electrons, and the power from a normal wall outlet.  Which they donated to me as a demostration tool for years to come.  It has been a highlight demonstration of our electricity studies each year.  This particular experiment dealt with testing different objects for their ability to conduct electricity.  We were looking at what objects are conductors or insulators.  The students enjoyed making their quess and testing whether it was true or not.  This is a bit dangerous, and yes "please don't try this at home."

Students have also enjoyed experimenting with building electrical circuits and testing how adding more batteries increases the power of the lightbulb.  This will culminate with students designing, wiring, and building a replica lighthouse of their choice from one of our regions in the United States.

Friends Good Will

What an experience!  It is amazing to see the students out on Lake Michigan raising sails and learning about how people, and goods moved during the 1800's.  We began studying the Northeast Region this week, and how immigrants first came to America on sailing vessels like The Friends Goodwill.  The staff at the Michigan Maritime Museum does an amazing job recreating this time period for the students.  They use old nautical language and dress in 1800's style sailor suits.  The chance for students to relive history in this way represents the ultimate learning experience in my opinion.  Not only is this trip a fantastic experience for anyone, but the team building that takes place among the class as they raise and lower sails, help to pretend to load the gun, and learn knot tying skills is unmatched on any other field trip I've been on.  This is our culminating trip of the year, and it ties together our beginning of the year studies of the Great Lakes and our end of the year study of the Northeast Region.  I feel so fortunate that we can provide these types of experiences for kids.