What Do You Do on the Third Day of School When the Temperature Hits 100 Degrees? Science, of Course!
At The Marylhurst School, we thrive on turning every challenge into an opportunity for hands-on learning. So, when a blistering heatwave hit just days into the new school year, our students decided to make the best of it by diving into an engaging science experiment. Their inquiry-based learning approach began with an intriguing question, "What is the volume of one Jack?" This simple question set the stage for a fascinating exploration that perfectly embodies the practice of progressive education.
The middle school students embarked on a systematic and inventive process to find seventh-grader, Jack's, volume. They began by experimenting with various geometric solids, graduated cylinders, and water to understand basic volume measurement techniques. The next step involved obtaining a water trough and 103 gallons of water to be able to calculate the area of the base of the water tank. Then came the fun part. They measured the initial water level and then measured the new water level after adding a fully submerged Jack. By calculating the change in water level and using the area of the tank's base, the students determined the volume of water displaced—essentially, the volume of one Jack. This hands-on approach not only reinforced their understanding of important mathematical and scientific concepts but also allowed them to apply these concepts in a real-world context.
In keeping with our progressive education philosophy, this activity exemplified the core values of inquiry-based learning. Rather than presenting students with predetermined answers, we encouraged them to ask questions and seek solutions through experimentation and critical thinking. This method fosters a deeper understanding of scientific principles and promotes engagement by connecting learning to students' curiosities and experiences. The students didn’t stop with Jack; they each had an opportunity to calculate their own volume and even got the chance to calculate the volume of Leif, our Head of School, further reinforcing their skills and making science both personal and memorable. By embedding inquiry into everyday experiences, we not only develop essential skills and conceptual understanding but also cultivate a lifelong passion for learning.
