Over the past month, Sierra Canyon's 2nd Grade students have immersed themselves in a science unit exploring the forces of gravity and magnetism.
The journey began with gravity, where students engaged in a read-aloud of Gravity is a Mystery by F.M. Branley. They explored the concept that "what goes up must come down," testing hypotheses about how gravity pulls objects toward Earth. Through hands-on experiments, students examined which items fall fastest, such as glue sticks, rulers, and cotton balls. They also uncovered how gravity keeps everything grounded, preventing objects from floating through the air. A highlight of the lesson for students was learning that objects would weigh significantly less on the moon than on Earth due to the weaker gravitational force.
With a solid understanding of gravity, students shifted their focus to the phenomenon of magnetism. Guided by What Makes a Magnet by Franklyn Branley, they were captivated as they learned that Earth itself is a massive magnet and that compasses naturally point north. Through a series of experiments, students discovered how magnets attract and repel materials, differentiating between metals and non-metals. The class investigated why a paperclip is magnetic while a penny is not, explored the invisible poles of magnets, and marveled at the natural magnetic properties of lodestones.
This dynamic science unit not only deepened students' understanding of fundamental physical forces but also fostered curiosity and critical thinking. Our young Trailblazers are inspired to explore the forces that shape their world, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of discovery.
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