Step 1 - Science - Energy and Forces - Exploring creepy reflections & floating fingers in 3rd class

Today we carried out two exciting experiments.  

The first experiment investigated how our fingers can appear different when looking at their reflection in a mirror as the mirror is submerged in water. 

The second experiment involved investigating whether we could see another magical finger appear between the gap of our two fingers. 

Step 1 - Science - Energy and Forces - Which Magnet is the Strongest?

In Ms. Kelly's Senior Infants' class, we investigated the strength of different types of magnets. We took a trip to the Science Room and had great fun testing the different types of magnets. In order to test the strength of the various magnets we counted how many paper clips each magnet could hold. Back in our classroom we then collated the information we had gathered onto a bar chart. We were able to see clearly which magnet was the strongest.

We had free play with the magnets first and tested different materials for magnetism.

Hypothesis

We thought that the biggest magnet, the horseshoe, should be the strongest.

Method

1. We identified and named the different magnets.

Box of magnets

Bar magnet

Paddle magnet

Horseshoe magnet

Green disc magnet. 

2. We decided to use paperclips to determine the strength of the various magnets.

3. We tested the different magnets.

*We also found out that we were able to control the baubles inside the Galileo thermometer and move them up and down using a magnet!

Result

We found that the paddle magnet was the strongest and held 11 paper clips. See results on our bar chart below:

Note: If we were to do this experiment again we would not use the paper clips as we found that the amount of paper clips each magnet held changed when we repeated the experiment.