The Paper and Pennies Experiment!
Science Topic Overview:Grade 3 Topic C: Testing Materials and Design Students study the materials and designs used in construction tasks. They compare paper, clay, cardboard, styrofoam or other available materials to see which are the strongest—which ones resist bending, crushing or tearing—and which are most easily shaped and joined. They test different shapes and thicknesses to find out what makes a structure strong and stable and to find out how much material is needed. Throughout the topic, students learn that many things are considered when materials and designs are selected and that different tasks may require different materials and designs (Alberta Program of Studies for Elementary Science, 1996, B.14). |
Curricular Connections:
General Learner Expectations:
Students will:
Students will:
1. Recognize that functional structures must be sufficiently strong and stable and that unstable or weak structures are often unsafe to use.
2. Compare and evaluate the strength and stability of different models or objects constructed.
4. Apply procedures to test the strength of construction materials, in particular, different stocks of papers, plastics or wood.
7. Identify and apply methods for making a structure stronger and more stable; e.g., by adding or joining parts to form triangles.
(Alberta Program of Studies for Elementary Science, 1996, B.14)
Students will:
- Evaluate the suitability of different materials and designs for their use in a building task.
Students will:
1. Recognize that functional structures must be sufficiently strong and stable and that unstable or weak structures are often unsafe to use.
2. Compare and evaluate the strength and stability of different models or objects constructed.
4. Apply procedures to test the strength of construction materials, in particular, different stocks of papers, plastics or wood.
7. Identify and apply methods for making a structure stronger and more stable; e.g., by adding or joining parts to form triangles.
(Alberta Program of Studies for Elementary Science, 1996, B.14)