Science at Home

Snapshot Science will release a series of elementary science experiments and resources to help bring science class to you!  The most important aspect of these experiments is to let our young scientists explore by DOING science.  De-emphasize the concepts in favor of the process of scientific inquiry.  Concepts will come with the science, but there should be no pressure to "get it right".  This is especially important with their hypothesis/prediction.  Too many kids learn to dislike science when there is an overemphasis on who can remember the most facts. Learn the processes and the knowledge will come!  Have some fun with this!

Home Science Experiment 1 (Watch video) - Test the difference in bounce height and bounce duration between two sports balls, in this trial a baseball and a racquetball (or any other sports balls you have at home).  
  1. Down load and print the data sheet and example graph below. Or use them to help set up your science journal.
  2. Read the problem and make hypothesis (prediction).
  3. Test hypothesis: Estimate height of first bounce next to a tape measure and using a stopwatch, time how long a ball bounces from the drop until the ball stops bouncing or begins to roll. Record data on the data sheet. Make a simple bar graph from the data.
  4. Analyze the data and communicate results.  Write down or discuss the data with someone else.  
  5. Alter the experiment or design an experiment of your own.
Data sheet and example graph sheet are available for download below.  

Home Science Experiment 2: Science of Sound (Select from YouTube Playlist) 
Use an online oscilloscope or smart phone app to test the difference between the pitch of various toy instruments or other sounds.  Recreate the demonstrations shown in the video.

Online oscilloscopes available at:  
Student sheet is available for download below or create your own simple chart to use to record your data. 

Home Science Experiment 3: Magnetism (Select from YouTube Playlist)
Explore magnets with these simple experiments and demonstrations to try at home.  Watch the video, download the student sheet below, and then read through the Explore Together note on the back of the sheet.  For some of these experiments, any old magnets will do--you can even use refrigerator magnets.  Gather your supplies and use your science powers to have fun and learn about magnets!  

Student sheet is available for download below or create your own simple chart to use to record your data. 
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Stephen Schmidt,
Mar 23, 2020, 8:53 AM
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Stephen Schmidt,
Apr 6, 2020, 3:10 PM
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Stephen Schmidt,
May 9, 2020, 2:13 PM