PUE3Quest

One word...slime! This project came with some learning curves, as students had to adjust the amounts of glue, shaving cream, and various activating solutions. The first class of the day did not end up with slime unfortunately...but they served as some of the best scientists for the rest of the classes. While their class ended in a slimy, sticky mess...they built the groundwork to make small adjustments throughout the day. By lunch time, our recipe was perfect! Yes the first class got to make slime the next day! This was a good learning opportunity for them to see that failure does not mean the end. They learned problem solving and perseverance. 

 Students were tasked with building an enclosure to keep their "turkey egg" safe from a high drop. Groups came up with some really creative ideas! Once enclosures were built, we journeyed to the playground and to the top of the highest slide. From there, we counted down and dropped the eggs. Out of 16 egg enclosures, only 2 broke. These Quest students are special! So smart, and so creative! They rocked this challenge!

 Students were given 3 plastic spoons, 3 popsicle sticks, 3 pipe cleaners, and 3 rubber bands. From these items groups had to build a contraption that could pick up as many pieces of "corn" in one swipe as possible. The goal was to clear Farmer John's field in as few swipes as necessary. The group with the lowest number of pickups was the winner! Some groups took about 15 tries to clear the board. One group cleared the board in 2 tries! However, this group was not the winner! One group got very creative and cleared the entire board with just one try! Amazing!

 Quest students LOVED growing their own crystals! Thank you to those of you who sent in eggshells for this project! Epsom salt and hot water is all it took! Based on some directions for the activity, we thought the crystals would grow ON the eggshell. But weeks later we discovered that the crystals either grew on the bottom of the container, or floated in a layer at the top of the container. Beautiful results!

 About six weeks ago, students learned how NASA grows plants in space using their VEGGIE system. At that time, each planted 1 of 3 plant choices in much the same way NASA would. Six weeks later and many of the plants are doing great! The plant pictured below is curly parsley.

 Students learned about the national movement called "Kindness Rocks." Each student then painted their own kindness rock, making sure to include a message of hope, happiness, and encouragement. Students then "hid" their rocks around PUE for their peers to find. Hopefully these rocks brighten someone's day!