september 2024
Testing a theory of how a plank will impact the falling of magnet tiles.
E.M. and J.M. had built a tall tower with the magnet tiles, leaving an open spot to allow for a small car to launch through. J.M. was holding a small wooden plank above the tower and dropping it onto the structure just as the car E.M. launched, sailed through the opening. They were watching how the magnet tiles would crash. They noticed that sometimes the tiles collapse alternating sides like a “zigzag” and other times it would fall “straight” down. Sometimes it didn’t break. When an educator asked what they were trying to figure out, E.M. explained they were “trying to see the impact.” They were testing the theory of “impact” by holding the wooden plank at different angles to see if this would “impact” the way the blocks fell. The boys noticed that sometimes it would, and other times would not. The boys continue working for almost 20 minutes, carefully watching the blocks as soon as the plank fell on them. They became very excited and animated when sharing their discoveries with their peers and educator.
Jen Tervo RECE, AECEO.C
Cameron Hansen