This week we began a science unit exploring motion.  Throughout this unit students will observe and describe how pushes and pulls of various objects are used to produce and control motion.  In the classroom we explored various ways to make different objects move and we also sorted objects into categories based on whether they are moved by pushing them, pulling them, or both.  (We decided most things can be pushed and pulled.)

Making the chair move by scooting it.

Using a catapult for motion.

Swinging a stuffed dog on a string!

During ECO this week we also focused on forces and motion.  Children were given a variety of materials including buckets, twine, and pulleys to design a way for a squirrel (or mouse, or chipmunk) to move from one point to another.  This was lots of fun and it felt like we were just getting into it when we needed to stop.  We will definitely make time to continue this exploration during a future ECO session!

An elevator.

Zipline!