Week 6 Day 4 Gravity

After Gratitude Circle, they did a Tower Challenge (building the tallest free-standing tower they could with limited resources and time). Today focused on Center of Gravity challenges and adaptations to gravity. We looked at how gravity affects our body (bone density, muscle mass, etc) and tried some center of gravity challenges like “with feet and bum against the wall, don’t move your feet or bend your knees. Can you pick up an object off the floor right in front of you?” or can you balance 2 forks on a toothpick? Then at 3 stations they played different games involving center of gravity  (Suspend, Tower balancing and Marble balancing). We also talked about an artist that makes “balancing rock art” and I challenged them to try it when we are at the creek. Then they had a snack and went to the obstacle course. In the afternoon, we discussed how animals have adapted to overcome gravity. We especially focused on geckos and how their feet use electrostatic forces to stick to various surfaces. Then they designed and drew a useful gadget using the power of electrostatic adhesion. Next we went to check the results from our leaf transpiration experiment. We noted that the bag with the most leaves in the sun had the most water in it from transpiration. Then we had lunch and went to the creek. Most played theatre games in the shade during dismissal since it was so hot!