Mosaic Freeschool

  • Home
  • Classes
    • Classes '22-'23
    • Past Classes
  • Facilitators
    • Mosaic Facilitators
    • Educator Network
  • Enroll
    • Admissions
    • Registration
    • Payment
  • Contact
  • Opportunities
  • Home
  • Classes
    • Classes '22-'23
    • Past Classes
  • Facilitators
    • Mosaic Facilitators
    • Educator Network
  • Enroll
    • Admissions
    • Registration
    • Payment
  • Contact
  • Opportunities

Mosaic Minutes

GEMS Science Class Summary 4/8/13

4/11/2013

 

Final Testing and Solving the Crime

Picture
Our testing has finally concluded and now the hard work begins. We began class by organizing our clue board yet again, based on our findings from our tests last week. Not only did we discuss the results of the tests, but what those results might mean for our crime scenario.

What suspects do our results point to and how crucial is that information to solving this crime? Is every piece of evidence important?

In class on Monday we found out the drops we thought were blood were actually red food coloring mixed with some sort of white powder. Coincidentally, white powder was found on two of the suspect’s shoes.

We compared the “blood powder” and the powder on the two sets of shoes with corn starch and baking soda using a couple of drops of iodine in each one. The powders turned colors when mixed with the iodine. Which ones were similar? 

Picture
Picture



We also conducted tape lift samples from shirts each suspect was wearing at the time of the crime, comparing what we found with samples of dog hair, human hair, threads, yarn, and grass. Ask your child what their results were and what that might tell us about the crime.


Homework - What is your Theory?

For once this class has homework! This week students are to think back on the tests that were conducted and put together some sort of scenario of what could have happened to our victim, Felix. I encouraged them to look at the evidence instead of making inferences. Their theory must have some evidence to back it up. Some theories overheard in class were extremely creative, but not evidence-based. If your child wants to write out what they think could have happened they are welcome to, but it’s not necessary. In class on Monday they will be working in their teams to discuss their theories and decide on one to present to the class. It’s best to come with an idea of what they think might have happened so there can be a starting point for the discussion. Have your child explain their theory to you. Ask them what evidence pointed them in this direction. By the end of class on Monday we should have this crime solved!

Our Next Unit - Ecology!

Picture
Looking ahead, our next unit will be focusing on ecology. How I wish we could have started it on Monday when it was such a beautiful day!

I wanted to give you a heads up that during this unit we will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Please make sure your children have a hat to protect them from the sun, along with sunscreen. Also, we will be walking through brush so it’s a good idea for them to wear clothes that can get dirty, including boots for walking through wet areas and long pants to protect from ticks and scratches. They can bring the boots with them if they want to put them on when we’re in the field and change back when we’re done. It’s possible things could get muddy, depending on the weather.

Looking forward to enjoying some of this warm weather while we learn about the world right outside our door!


Comments are closed.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Afternoon Enrichment
    Closures
    Clubs
    Early Elementary
    Mosaic Texas
    Odyssey Of The Mind
    Out Of This World
    Philosophy
    Tesserae Fall 2012
    Tesserae Fall 2013
    Tesserae Fall 2014
    Tesserae Spring 2013
    Tesserae Spring 2014
    Tesserae Spring 2015
    Tesserae Spring 2016

    Archives

    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from nojhan, Clay Gilliland, mynameisharsha, kim siciliano salem, matthewvenn, photogirl7.1, El Bibliomata, ~Brenda-Starr~, Anne Worner, Heather Bickle, NASA Goddard Photo and Video, Black.Dots., marta.b, Felipe Venâncio, A. Galassi, bibliojojo, Bibliothèque - Les Champs Libres - Rennes, Robert Hensley, opensourceway, Greenland Travel, est1996x, John-Morgan, camnjeanacess, plindberg, chrisjtse, Vox Efx, philosophygeek, utpala ॐ, Cea., Phil Roeder, andreazgarcia, stevecadman, laynasaur, Steve A Johnson, mattk1979, Tattooed Hippy, spacepleb, Mateus Hidalgo, Todd Binger, TRF_Mr_Hyde, ComputerHotline, Hampshire and Solent Museums, Ben Sutherland, philip_sheldrake, WeeLittlePiggy, echiner1, gruntzooki, emmeffe6, saoire, symphony of love, ups2006, Dave_B_, bobsfever, Kelly Short6, RichardBH, frau-Vogel, Skype Nomad, giopuo, Tomi Tapio