Forces in Nature

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During our 5th grade field trip to Sky Ranch Science Camp from March 6th-8th,

students attended classes that:

*enhanced classroom learning through outdoor hands-on activities

*provided a nontraditional creative learning environment

*supported skills in Math, Science and Language Arts

*promoted cooperative learning groups

*encouraged respect for the living and nonliving components of our planet

One of the classes was Forces of Nature.  During this class students learned about gravity and friction while using a 4 story zip line. Two adults, Mrs. Benanti and Mr. Ruiz, volunteered to participate in an experiment. They would zip down the zip line 3 times to see what could effect their speed of descent. On the first zip,  they zipped down with nothing added to them and students figured out the velocity. On the second zip, they each put on a backpack with 2 different items in it. Because of the weight, the velocity increased. On the third zip, they held a tarp which slowed them down so the velocity decreased.  

They also discovered gases and pressure during the building and launching of air rockets. Students were experimenting with different rocket shapes and styles related to trajectory and distance. Then students measured and compared distances of the launches to determine which shape and/or style gave the most lift to produce the greatest distance. 

Students took a 1 hour nature hike and observed the real life effects of weathering agents, erosion and deposition on the landscape. They also observed and compared the differences of the degree of erosion based on the location and exposure to mankind.

 The students had a great time learning with all the hands on activities.