Bobbi Walter’s sixth graders at CVMS are working on the scientific process unit. Recently they conducted two science labs – the penny drop lab and the Skittles lab.

The students are learning how to write a hypothesis and then conduct the experiment. For these labs, the students were thrilled to have a special guest – Principal Lisa Hankinson joined in!

In the penny drop lab, students made a prediction on which side of the penny would hold more water. Of course they had to give their reason why they thought what they did. The students then used an eye dropper to put water on the “heads” side of the penny, counting how may drops the penny could hold before the water overflowed. Then, they repeated it on the “tails” side. They completed five trials and then found the average for each side. The students had fun with this lab and were surprised at the outcome!

The Skittle lab was another fun lab. The big question – what will happen when they add water to the Skittles? Students took different colored Skittles and formed a pattern of their choice on a plate. Then they added water.  The students assumed the colors would mix together but they quickly found out that the water created a beautiful pattern. The students then learned about diffusion and water stratification.

The biggest lesson was learning that it’s okay if their hypothesis isn’t always correct. They enjoyed their labs and especially working with Mrs. Hankinson!