I recently tried the Hydro-Hypothesis Sphero Experiment in my science classes which reinforces concepts such as density, buoyancy, and engineering design. Students were given the following materials:
1- cardboard
2- bubble wrap (two different sizes)
3- clips
4- elastics
5- neon duct tape
6- pipe cleaners
The students then had to create a boat that submerged half of Sphero the Robot in the water and did not sink. You can get a waterproof case for Sphero for this activity. Students were divided into teams and given a half hour to complete their boat design. Then we took turns testing if the student designed robot powered boats would sink or swim in a pool of water. This hands on science lesson led to high levels of student engagement and fostered a community of collaboration.
I am also fortunate enough to work in a setting that is one to one with the iPads. The students had the great idea to use one of the iOS8 features to enhance the experience. We used the time-lapse feature in Camera to document the entire lesson. Then we took the footage and put it into iMovie. Timelapse in iOS8 is a great way to document any sort of scientific exercise that involves the students learning by creating/constructing their own product.
mrspepedotcom 