Building with K-nex

The fifth graders were studying about the six simple machines. The learned them as WWLIPS; wedge, wheel and axle, levers, inclined plane, pulley, and screw. They are able to identify the 3 kinds of levers. First class levers have the fulcrum in the middle such as a teeter totter, paper punch, and tongs. While a 2nd class lever has the load in the middle like a wheelbarrow and nutcracker. Lastly, a staper and a tweezer are good examples of 3rd class levers because the effort is in the middle.

To end the unit, the students built devices with K-nex. All of the devices used simple machines. It was a challenge for the students to follow the diagrams to build with the K-nex.

Using Simple Machines to Build with K-nex

Toys in Space

Yes, the fifth graders were playing with toys during science. However, they were also predicting how the toys would work in microgravity. After they made their hypothesis, they watched a video of actual astronauts using these toys on the space shuttle Endeavor.

The fifth graders would like to thank the ISU Extension for letting them borrow a kit which included the toys and video.

Space Projects

After studying space, each fifth graders did a research project. It could be about something they had already learned to expand their knowledge, or they could choose a new topic dealing with space. They had fun choosing a format to present the information. Some projects were models, Power Points, posters, games, and books. When they were finished they presented the information to their classmates. Finally, they displayed them in the library, and the fourth graders toured the projects.

More Space Projects

Sharing More Space Projects