We did two science experiments. The first one we chose was to make a water wheel. It was very easy to put together and Miles had fun spinning it around. We simply placed it under a running tap and watched how the water turned the water cups.... we discussed how the water represents something like a waterfall, or a flowing river that turns the paddles on a water wheel which makes the shaft in the middle turn. This would be attached to cogs that might be on a generator, creating hydroelectric power or grinding flour in a flour mill. Miles did well, he remembered that coal was a fossil fuel, we also talked about finite resources and how important it was that we use more renewable energy sources so we always have power (for things like iPads).
Caden read the instructions out for science experiment number two. He was instructing Miles who was in charge of getting the necessary equipment out. Caden read the words 'position' and 'horizontal' by himself today and was pretty chuffed about getting horizontal right on his own.
The next experiment we did was making water spray. This was a pretty cool experiment to do. Miles and I set up the test tube rack, we found the test tube (and he learned the names of these things in so doing) we got the straws, filled it with water and followed Caden's read instructions. Then we listened to Caden explain the science behind it. When you line up the straws in a vertical and horizontal fashion, it has to be at a 90 degree angle (Caden learned what a 90 degree angle was today and that it was the same as a right angle). When you blow through the horizontal straw, you create low pressure in the vertical straw. The surface water pressure inside the test tube then pushes the water inside the vertical straw upwards and the high pressure air disperses the surface of the water in the vertical straw into the air making a water mist. We heard the science from Caden and then we did it. It was really exciting for us all to see the water coming up the straw as we were told it would. They had a lot of fun blowing water spray at a cardboard box after this. You can just see the water spray coming out of the straw in this photo.
Miles' face was worth publishing this photo!
The instructions that Caden read, for anyone else who wants to try this.
Another day we went with two of the French children we are living with, to the lake again. It was really freezing cold but they gamely ran off. Here they are having a race (I suggested they run as it was so cold, to warm up).
We went exploring and found some chickens.... they all did some chicken impressions...
We also found an abandoned outhouse.... They had a look inside.
This was a really interesting structure that we found and talked about. It looks like something out of Tolkien's, The Two Towers film, a mini Isengard... I digress...
As it is a reservoir, we guessed that the water falling into the hole was probably going to a treatment plant in order to supply water to the local towns.
The kids climbed trees together as well. Caden and Perine are getting on really well together and Marc and Miles are getting on well together. Bella wasn't with us that day but when they are all together, they all have fun and get on well.
We did some baking altogether too. Cupcakes and cake pops. Caden and Miles are adding their sprinkles here.
The finished products, that were scoffed instantly by all!
The boys look very happy!
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