Aug 30 2011
Which way will it turn?
- Investigating new “modifications” to add to our planes.
Our inquiry on airplanes continues! Today, one of our friends noticed another library book that had directions for paper airplanes. The kids have been trying our each type and seeing which they like best. We have started comparing and contrasting the different types and Lucas found a big difference in one of our books. “This one has modifications!” “Modifications?” we asked. “What’s that?” Lucas then explained that one of the instructions had directions to cut wing flaps and other tools that planes use to steer them, control height, and speed. We have been talking about how planes control these things and how pilots know what to do when they are in the cockpit. Lucas began experimenting with some of the modofications to this paper airplane and soon after, many other friends were interested in seeing how their modifications would affect the way their plane flew.
Solving our airplane problem during math workshop.
I am excited to say that math workshop is quickly becoming a favorite time of day for the kids as well as myself. I was so impressed today with the kids’ ability to show their work with their manipulatives and record it for the first time in their math notebook. Our class was very thoughtful in showing our work and many friends were even trying to find new ways to solve prolems after it was solved one way. I was so impressed with share time as well- there is so much to learn from seeing a friend try the same problem and approach it in a different way. The kids are beginning to understand this as well and apply their new strategies to their own work.
Da'Sean sharing his work during math workshop.
- Zek sharing a different way he solved our problem.
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3 Responses to “Which way will it turn?”
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We have discovered at home that certain “modifications” aren’t effective and make planes fly in circles or straight down. Also, we have enough to start a small paper airport! :). Nice to see kids so excited about learning.
Make sure to take some pictures of that paper airport! I am glad you brought up the modifications and their effectiveness- some are definately not helpful modifications and we experienced that today during our test flights. We are trying to figure out if trial and error is the best way to learn which are best or if we should keep reading about paper airplane technique…
Your posts make me wish I were in kindergarten again!! Thanks for being such a great teacher and for sharing so much with us!