Eggs and the Equinox
Initial Publication Date: August 24, 2007
Summary
In this guided inquiry activity, students work to answer the question, "Do eggs balance on the equinox?" There is a myth that comes up on the radio, news and internet that because of the position of the earth on the equinox, that eggs should balance. I allow students to come up with their own procedure to test this question. I manage the materials, but it is up to them to find a way to test it.
CollapseLearning Goals
1. Students will design a testable scientific procedure.
2. Students will analyze data.
Vocabulary: Predict, Hypothesis, Theory
2. Students will analyze data.
Vocabulary: Predict, Hypothesis, Theory
Context for Use
I have tried this activity a couple of different ways. I tried it as a whole class working on one procedure. The benefit of that way is better control over materials. Most recently, I tried it with small groups developing and testing on their own. This way students are more actively involved in the formation of their own procedure.
This activity requires 2-3 days and one of those days needs to be the equinox unless it turns into a homework assignment.
This activity would be easily adaptable to higher or lower grade levels.
This activity requires 2-3 days and one of those days needs to be the equinox unless it turns into a homework assignment.
This activity would be easily adaptable to higher or lower grade levels.
Description and Teaching Materials
The materials needed are a couple dozen eggs (preparing for some eggs to break) and stop watches. Students decide where they want to test their egg. I had many students use masking tape to "tape off" an area as to control the specific spot the the egg is balanced.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Many students didn't know what I meant by balancing an egg. It does need to balance up and down and not on its side.
The equinox does not make a difference in whether or not the egg balances. Some students could get the egg to balance every time. Some never could. Sometimes it depended on the actual shape of the egg.
I changed this activity to be more inquiry-based by allowing students to come up with their own procedure. They are analyzing their own data and can come up with their own conclusions.
The equinox does not make a difference in whether or not the egg balances. Some students could get the egg to balance every time. Some never could. Sometimes it depended on the actual shape of the egg.
I changed this activity to be more inquiry-based by allowing students to come up with their own procedure. They are analyzing their own data and can come up with their own conclusions.
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Assessment
In the past I have had a worksheet that they fill out as they do this assignment. To go towards a more inquiry-based activity, they will design everything in their notebooks. I will grade them according to their science notebook rubric when I collect their notebook.
Standards
7.I.B.1-4