Co-op science - inertia

One of the mothers for my Co-op has been working with the kids on Inertia.

Tonight I found a short video on youtube: Eureka!  The kids enjoyed it and I loved how they showed the scientific word for Lazy.

One of the kids favorite experiments was the old 'swing a bucket of water over your head'.  The only trouble we had was when one of the buckets string broke and the 'swing' failed so water went everywhere!  Almost Unschoolers has pretty pictures and a description of how to do the experiment.  (I have wanted to try it since I read hers, so glad the Co-op gave me the excuse)

We also did it with a basket of puzzle pieces.  And for a time the kids took small baskets and tested all sorts of materials in the room.  What would science be without the kids goofing off their own way.

Taking a coin on ones elbow and trying to catch it by shooting your hand down was also a big hit.  Most of the kids were able to do it with a quarter, but not a penny.   (the science being the coin is too lazy to move until it has to due to gravity, your arm you can force down and under faster.  I couldn't find anything quick online)

And of course the kids loved 'pulling a table cloth out from under dishes'  Plastic dishes that is.  Actually the 'tablecloth' was a long piece of paper.  As a side note I tried to find a simple explanation online to link to and found a VERY complex discussion of the math regarding a BMW bike doing the same trick on a full service dinner table!  Video worth showing the kids even if it isn't real.  And if I had a motorcycle you know I would be out there testing the concept!  (with plastic dishes)

Our wonderful 'science mom' also showed them how to catch something when you kick the card out from under it.  Her set up was fancy with a plate, cup match box, and floss case.  The basic science is the same as a cup postcard and penny.  The penny is too lazy to move when you force the card out so it falls down once it realizes it lacks support. (actually it will move a smidgen over, but not enough to miss the cup)  The kids found it hard to set up the balancing act, but loved doing the fun part. And once set up, it was easier than trying to flick a card fast enough.

Which brings up a point I have noticed since having kids.  Many many things we take for granted kids cannot do.  Like the flicking motion.  So many simple skills have become second nature to adults, I have to be careful not to be impatient with my kids who simply haven't the 'muscle memory' for things.