Willowbank School, KilmarnockThe Transition class were Effective Contributors when taking part in an Engineering Challenge. For the first part of the challenge we watched an interview with Alyssa Carson who works for NASA! The boys are now trying to think of an invention that would solve a common problem before we send it to be judged.
Fun with Science continued throughout the week. One experiment that the class all enjoyed was making a Non-Newtonian fluid (cornflour and water!) and discovering its properties. Numeracy skills were put to good use checking the mass and volume of each item. Each boy experienced the fluid and we had a range of way to interact. Some used spoons to stir fast and slow and some put their hands straight in!
The next experiment was making rainbow paper. The boys all interacted well and were patient when they poured clear nail varnish into water. They carefully placed black card on top and removed it to show shimmering rainbow paper.
The class them observed the reaction between a powder and a liquid to form a gas. The boys were amazed when the balloon started to inflate.
Our last task in class was to apply our literacy and numeracy skills to try and replicate the success of Patrick last year at the Engineering Challenge. The boys reflected on the webcast from Monday and came up with some new designs to help solve problems. The challenge included a short letter to explain the design and what influenced each idea. Watch this space to see how well we get on!
