Investigating Pendulums...

This investigation is a great opportunity for your Kid Scientist to explore variables.

Ages:  This investigation is best for Big Kid Scientists

Materials: String or yarn, bob such as a washer or round magnet, stopwatch or other timer, Lab Notes page (this will also help explain the investigation)

Procedure:

• Set up a pendulum system

• There are three manipulated variables you can investigate: the length of the pendulum, the weight of the bob and the angle the bob is released
• The period of the pendulum is the time it takes the bob to go over & back one time
• Practice timing the period and releasing the bob
• Explore these questions:  Does this weight of the bob have an effect on the period?  What is the relationship between the length of the pendulum and the period?  Can you create a pendulum system with a 1 second period?  How?

What did you learn about pendulums?
Where can you find pendulums in the "real world"?

How Many Drops of Water will Fit on a Penny?

This is a great investigation that Kid Scientists of all ages can participate in.  Read on for extensions for Big Kid Scientists.

Materials: eye dropper or pipette,  penny,  cup of water,  towel (the cat is optional…Rooney was helping)

 Procedure:

• Ask Kid Scientists to predict how many drops of water will fit on a penny.  Little Kid scientists should record their prediction.  Big Kid Scientists can grab this lab report to record their thinking.
• Using room temperature water, carefully add drops of water to the top of the penny, counting how many fit.
• How close was your prediction?

Extensions for Little Kid Scientists:

• Will you be able to fit more drops with cold water or warm water?
• Will you be able to fit more drops on the “heads” side or the “tails” side?
• Will you be able to fit more drops on a clean penny or a dirty penny?
• What questions do you want to test?

Extensions for Big Kid Scientists:

• Big Kid Scientists can grab this new investigation to test coin size
• Research and write a scientific explanation of why so many drops of water will fit on a penny

 

As always, The Science Mommy would love to hear about your investigation.  Let me know how it turns out!