Mrs. Ranney Matters!

Matter Matters!

The science experiments and demonstrations Mrs. Ranney has been sharing with us about matter, really matter. We have learned so much!

FACT: Matter has three states, solid, liquid, or gas.

The experiments done with Mrs. Ranney explored the gas we call air. Here are the physical properties of air: takes up space, has mass, exerts pressure, and can move. 

The fabulous Mrs. Ranney shared several lessons.

#1 Air (a gas) has mass. Two balloons were filled equally. The one on the right was popped. When the balloon was popped, the mass of air was released making the right side lighter. Because it was lighter, the right side rose up.

#2 Air (a gas) exerts pressure.   First, each student held a piece of paper to their stomach. When they removed their hand and started walking, the paper fell to the ground. Gravity prevailed!

Second, students held a piece of paper to their stomachs. When they removed their hand and started running, the paper stuck to their bodies! The invisible air pushed against the paper holding it in place.

The student on the left was FASTER than the student on the right. 

#3  Air (a gas) exerts pressure. Student were given a cup of water and a straw. Each student placed the straw in the water. Then each student covered the top of the straw with their finger. Finally, they removed the straw from the water (with the finger still covering the top). Air pressure outside of the straw pushed against the water via the bottom (open end) of the straw. When the finger was removed from the top, the water fell back into the cup...or somewhere else!  

#4 Air (a gas) exerts pressure. Here is the same experiment done with a cup instead of the straw. Air pressure is exerted on the card holding the water in place. Yes, the cup is upside down! Science is cool!

#5 Air (a gas) takes up space. 

Mrs. Ranney placed a DRY paper towel in cup. The towel was taped to the cup so it would not fall out when she inverted it. Next, Mrs. Ranney placed the inverted cup into a container of water. Snappy had a close look, and confirmed that the paper towel was dry when removed from the water. Truly, air takes up space, even thought we cannot see it!

What was your favorite experiment or demonstration? 

Do you have a question or comment for Mrs. Ranney?

Global School Play Day #GSPD

Yesterday, my class participated in Global School Play Day! 

Thank you to the Bedley Brothers and Twitter for introducing me to this project!  The power of a Personal Learning Network (PLN) triumphs again!

I was heavily influence to participate in #GSPD after listening to this eye opening presentation: 

The Decline of Play TED Talk from psychologist Peter Gray. 

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On Monday, I emailed parents, shared "The Decline of Play" video, and asked for games to be brought in for our #GSPD event.

On Wednesday, we had a few curricular blocks, but we were able to have two solid play sessions. 

The sessions were sensational!

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Although I did not play, I contributed a classic play item, the box. 

:-)

Students contributed games and toys. 

Fuzzy friends join the class for the day! 





First, we talked about the rules. 
There would only be ☝, the Golden Rule.

Let the play begin!

Rubik's Cube 

Al fresco jumbo jacks. 

No one had ever played!

Paper folding and pyramid building! 

Who doesn't love a box? 

Guess Who? 

Hilarious Head Bands! 

Jenga! 

Sorting, categorizing, and creating games 

using cards! 

Tantalizing Tangrams! 

Monopoly Empire was a hit! 

Not sure the name of this game, but it looks like you need to slide the starred disk through the small slot and into the goal to win. 

Building is always a favorite. 

Check out that fancy floor! How many ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands were used to create this mansion? 

Snappy, our crocodile friend from Darwin, Australia, learned to play the game of Life! 

What is your opinion of Global School Play Day?

Would you recommend it?

Leave a comment explaining the benefits of play.

Convince me!

February 2 :: Groundhog Day!

Tomorrow, February 2, is Groundhog Day in America! 

Many people believe that Punxsutawney Phil can predict the weather on this day. On the morning of February 2, the famous Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow at Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania.

Tradition says that: 

If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, then winter weather will continue for six more weeks.

If Punxsutawney Phil does NOT see his shadow, then spring weather will come soon.

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Here is the official Punxsutawney Phil website! 

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What will happen tomorrow? 

Will Punxsutawney Phil SEE his shadow or not?

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What do you think of the Groundhog Day tradition?

Do you believe Punxsutawney Phil?


Do you know of any other silly traditions?