Witches, wizards, ghosts, and ghouls are common decorations during the month of October. But in Salem between 1692-1693 they were seen as very real threats to peoples’ safety. Our class is investigating the history of this event, where over 200 people were accused of being witches. We will look at several pieces of evidence to decide what we think happened in this small town that led to hysteria, witch-hunts, and people losing their lives.
Feel free to click the link above to see what might have gotten you accused of witchcraft in Salem at this time (adapted from History.net and the Salem Witch Museum).
Today, our class learned about the power of persuasion. Each student was given 2 jelly beans, with the goal of determining whether it was a regular flavour (ex: pear, peach) or one of the ‘bean-boozled’ flavours (ex: rotten fish, dog food). Our class investigating the appearance, smell, and taste of these jellybeans. Many people (about 50% of the class) thought they received one of the gross flavours… however, it was later revealed that all the flavours were from the regular jellybean pack! So if none of the flavours were actually gross, why did so many of us have an extreme reaction?
It might come down to persuasion! Our brains are powerful, but they can sometimes be tricked. Ms. Ward ‘primed’ the class to believe they might get the gross flavours, which might have influenced how we perceived the jellybeans!
We will continue to explore how our brains can be influenced/persuaded! Check out how jellybeans are made in the video below:
Some questions to discuss at home:
-Were you able to ‘trust your testbeds’ and pick the correct flavour? Why or why not?
-Do you think you are easily persuaded? Explain!
-Many Scientists believe that we are more likely to believe people who we think have power. Would this experiment be different if it was run by a younger sibling, a friend, the principal, a famous celebrity, etc.?
Have you ever winced when eating something sour? Our class explored why we react in different ways to sour things! We learned that some people believe in the ‘tongue map’, that certain areas of the tongue experience taste more strongly than others. This theory has been disproven, but many people still believe it! We tested this theory ourselves by investigating if a sour candy tasted stronger on certain ‘parts’ of our tongue.
Image description above: a diagram of the ‘tongue map’, which includes bitter, sour, umami, sweet, and salty tastes.
Some questions to consider at home:
-Why do you think some people are more sensitive to certain tastes (ex: spicy, sour) than others?
-Do you believe in the ‘tongue map’? Why or why not?
-Do you think the way humans experience taste is the same as other animals experience taste?
October 4th is ‘Cinnamon Bun Day’! Most of us have enjoyed this spice before, but have you ever learned how cinnamon is produced? The video below breaks down how Ceylon cinnamon is harvested, processed, and sold. It is a very labor-intensive process!
Later this month we will discuss the history of ‘pumpkin pie spice’ and the global spice trade!
In class today, we discussed the designs/inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci. Da Vinci was particularly interested in flying machines, and had many sketches of plane-like machines (many years before planes had even been invented)!
As part of our Applied Designs, Skills, and Technology unit, we are examining flying machines. But first, we must investigate how to ‘fall’ safely… by designing a parachute! We have also been investigating now NASA designed parachute(s) during the launch of the Mars Rovers!
Please click the link above for a PDF version of our criteria sheet. We will begin building this week, and hope to test next week! For more information + inspiration, watch the video below:
Today, our class continued our exploration of time and lifespans. We discussed why humans have such different average lifespans depending on factors like: age, socioeconomic status, country of origin, etc.
We watched the video below to see what countries have had the ‘longest’ average lifespans from 1800s onwards. PLEASE NOTE: this video is a quick summary that does not fully explain all of the variables that impact how long humans can live. This video was also made before COVID-19, so the predictions may be inaccurate according to our current world lifespans.
Some questions to consider at home:
-Why do you think human lifespans have OVERALL increased? Why do you think most people are living longer today than they did in the 1800s?
-Why do you think certain countries are consistently in the top 10 for ‘longest lifespan’? What factors might make it so their citizens live longer on average?
-Why do some countries have much shorter average lifespans than others? How do we think things like healthcare, colonialism, war, and accessibility play into this?
At this point, everyone should have received a black duotang with the ‘Everyday Authours’ challenge booklet inside! To answer a few questions about how to use this resource:
-This booklet is designed to help us practice our Writing as part of a daily/weekly routine. This way, we can build our Writing stamina & confidence! This booklet should NOT be completed all in 1 day or 1 week!
–Discuss what schedule works best for you and your family. This could be writing once per day, 3 times per week, or setting a timer for 10 minutes a day.
-Do not focus on being ‘perfect’… get your ideas on the page! We will discuss how to edit writing later, but this is just to get rid of ‘writer’s block’!
–When you have filled in the whole booklet, bring it back to Ms. Ward. We will keep this writing as part of your ‘writer’s repertoire’ and you will be given the second edition booklet.
-I will not be marking this booklet/editing/covering it in red pen. I will use this to track our growth and confidence as writers as the year progresses!
Thanks everyone, and I look forward to reading your amazing stories!
Click the link above to view a slideshow about how ‘astronaut food’ aboard the International Space Station has changed over the years. Does it look delicious or disgusting? What food would you hope to bring to space with you?
The video below is an in-depth look at how astronaut food is designed and packaged. Check it out below:
Take a look at the photo above. What can you observe? What do you think is the ‘story’ behind the photo? As we embark into INTERNATIONAL SPACE WEEK, we will be learning all about the human instinct to look at the stars and seek to explore the galaxy.
Spoiler below:
This photo shows NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin taking the first ever ‘space selfie’ in history, long before smartphones, social media, or even the term “selfie” ever existed. Captured in 1966, this photo was taken during the Gemini 12 mission, Aldrin’s first space excursion. From allthingsinteresting.com.
As part of our investigation into the Science and Sociology behind everyday objects, we have been investigating chewing gum! Chewing gum has been around for thousands of years; ancient cultures used to chew on resins and other natural materials to freshen breath, quell hunger pains, and for entertainment. Nowadays, gum is usually produced in huge factories. But why is gum so controversial? Certain countries forbid the sale of gum at all, and it is not allowed in many environments (schools, etc.). But is gum actually helpful? Or is it more harmful?
Click the link above to read an article about the possible benefits of chewing gum while learning, and then watch the video below for a breakdown of the sticky situation behind gum and litter. What do you think?
