Mousetrap Racers

This was a fun adventure in project learning for the class. The students were to create vehicles that traveled at least 1 meter, using only a mousetrap as the power source. The mousetrap had to travel with the vehicle across the finish line, and it could not be altered from its store bought state.

I encouraged students to use recycled materials and creativity to construct their racers. Many were successful in finding a majority of their materials in the recycling bin, or around their homes. We spent several days as a class researching techniques for transferring the energy in the mousetrap spring to propulsion for the vehicles. Creative methods for doing this were found by many, so then they had to problem solve as to how they could incorporate this into their vehicles.

After many days of construction in class and at home, teams were ready for race day!

The teams were to complete 3 trials each, measuring the distance their vehicle travels and the time it takes to get there. From this they can calculate the velocity of the vehicle, and average velocity for the 3 trials.

It's here, it's here...the first of the year!

Today was the first true day of classes. I'm excited to work with all of the 8th graders.
I find it interesting that many of the students are the same faces I had in 6th grade math class two years ago. I feel old saying that, but also proud. The school has been a great outlet for my creative teaching practices. The students have taught me how to communicate with a brilliant young mind and earn their respect and trust in the process.
Next week we begin to experiment with physics, and I look forward to the creative chaos that shall ensue.

Starting at the end

Amazing how some teachers, myself included, have great ideas at the end of the year. Then, as the summer progresses, ideas are lost amidst the sunshine and travel.

In an attempt to improve my teaching strategies, I've created this blog for my science class. I intend for it to serve as a journal of my class activities, a discussion board for students, and an organizational tool for projects.