Punahou sixth graders engaged in hands-on science experiments, focusing on concepts like friction, motion, buoyancy, and density. Under the guidance of their teachers, students conducted two main investigations that highlighted their scientific skills and teamwork.
In Jenny Kawakami’s class, the students participated in the “Monster Mash 500,” a speed lab designed to explore how surface texture impacts the movement of wind-up toys. They raced their toys across a 30-centimeter track that featured seven different surfaces, including aluminum foil, sandpaper, felt, and plastic cutting boards. Working in teams, they recorded travel times, calculated average speeds, and graphed their findings. The results indicated that both felt and sandpaper generated the most friction, which slowed the toys’ movement. To reinforce their learning, students utilized a Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) response format to articulate their conclusions based on the data obtained during the experiment.
Simultaneously, students in Connie Carroll’s class took on a lifeboat challenge to investigate buoyancy and density. They used plastic cups as miniature lifeboats, making predictions about how many pennies each vessel could hold before sinking. The students compared different sizes of boats and explored how increased weight affected their buoyancy. After conducting their experiments, they graphed their data, determined the line of best fit, and performed statistical analysis to estimate the carrying capacities of untested lifeboats.
These practical investigations not only allowed students to identify variables and test hypotheses but also helped them strengthen critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills through data analysis and evidence-based conclusions. The hands-on approach provided an engaging learning experience, underscoring the importance of inquiry-based education at Punahou School.
