Magnetism and Electricity  October 29 - November 30, 2012

Using magnets, wires, bulbs and batteries, and the science process, students investigated the basic principles of magnetism and electricity.

Everyone participated in an experiment to determine the strength of magnetic force when additional magnets were added onto a stack of magnets.

Students also learned about electromagnetism, and experimented with the effect that the number of wire coils around a nail would have on its magnetic strength.








They then learned about circuits and  how a battery and bulb work.









Finally, they were challenged to create their own working flashlight using their knowledge of electrical energy and circuitry.

After much discussion, planning, designing, trouble shooting, and redesigning, students were able to create their own circuitry, including on/off switches and build unique working flashlights.

Central Maine Power's Mr. Brad Kaherl also joined us for a presentation to the entire Soule Program on electrical safety.

Secret Formulas  October 1 - 25, 2012
Mixing, measuring, comparing, and understanding physical and chemical changes were the main activities in this unit.  Students  learned to use the tools and process of science as they figured out possible proportions of ingredients for making substances such as paste and a cola-type drink.  They learned to write simple formulas and made their own secret formula for each substance.

First, the children learned to use many measuring tools of science.  They used triple beam balances to weigh things, graduated cylinders to find liquid volume, metric rulers for length, and thermometers for temperatures.

Working in groups, students then explored the properties of some ingredients that paste and cola drinks are made of.  From there, groups were able to determine which ingredients worked best to make a great all-purpose paste and a tasty cola drink.  Everything required careful measuring and observing, as well as good recording of results.  Getting the proportions just right required fine tuning.

Everyone then shared their secret formulas with the class and explained why they chose their specific formulas. They even created fun advertisements for their cola drinks.