Spring 2000
Just Add Water: "Water Works" Family Learning Event
Two tablespoons of vinegar, a teaspoon of baking soda, a dash of salt, a shake of pepper, a cup of oil, a few odds and ends, and LOTS of water—throw in AmeriCorps, students, and parents, and you have all the ingredients for fun and learning.
ACEE members hosted the Family Learning Event "Water Works" at Allison Elementary on December 2, and again at Sanchez Elementary on February 24. The event consisted of eleven different stations that examined various properties and uses of water.
All of the activities incorporated some aspects of the scientific method; the general format followed was: observations, predictions, experimentation, and then explanation for the results. Each station was manned by one ACEE member who assisted the children (and parents) with this process, including providing the correct explanations for results. This was more difficult for some of the activities, as with Does Oil Float, Sink, or Mix with Water?
"I knew oil and water didn't mix, but I didn't know the scientific explanation for it. So, I ended up saying they don't like each other," said ACEE member Naomi McCuistion.
The chosen activities emphasized several important skills, including estimating as well as comparing substances and materials. One activity (Why Does Water Look Different in Different Cups?) incorporated both of these skills; the first part of the experiment consisted of pouring the same amount of water into a small cup, a large cup, and a film canister. Afterwards, the child estimated how many film canisters of water it would take to fill the large cup.
"I think it was a good thing for kids to learn about their shapes," said one Allison sixth grader. "And it was messy; kids like messy things."
Judging from overheard remarks during and after the Family Learning Event, the most popular station was Bunny and the Lake. This activity involved hypothesizing, construction, and persistence. The object was for the children to design a boat from various materials to help their bunny (cottonball) safely across the lake (pan of water). The most effective boat was one made of foil, although it sometimes took a few designs to figure this out.
"What I noticed most was when (the children) sank a bunny, they wanted to try again instead of giving up and moving on to a different station," said ACEE member Remy Barnes.
Parents also seemed to enjoy the night, with one commenting that "Water Works" would make a good after-school program.
One more Family Learning Event is scheduled for both schools later this spring.
—Sabrina Davis