Today's Classroom Activities :

Experimenting with Energy

A Raisin in the Sun
Science Use solar energy to make raisins in your room. Let the students wash and dry 4-6 grapes. Write each student's name on a small paper plate and have them place their grapes on the plates. Place the plates on drying racks in a window that gets a lot of sun. The racks will allow air to circulate and assist the drying process. If you wish, cover the plates with cheesecloth. Let the plates sit for 5-7 sunny days. Have your students check progress and record observations every few days. Compare these raisins with store-bought raisins. How are they alike or different? What do your students think caused the changes in the grapes?

Endless Energy?
Science Provide your students with solar-powered calculators, clocks or flashlights. Work with these items for a few days. What are the pros and cons for solar-powered mechanisms? What problems will need to be solved in order for solar energy to become more popular?

Transference of Energy - Constructing this simple airplane with your students will demonstrate this basic principle of energy.