the glue and starch experiment

This is me working with my mixture of starch and glue where it was FINALLY the consistency I wanted it to be!

When we did the glue and starch experiment in class I learned two things. First, in order for one to get the right mixture of glue and starch, they must experiment with different ratios of glue to starch until the right consistency is acquired. Second, to keep on the "right track" during the experimentation we had to follow the given steps and directions.

However, even though we were all given instructions on how to get started there were still some obstacles that we had to face, such as adding one drop too much of starch or glue. In the end... after many attempts to find the right combination of glue and starch, the mixture became a sort of oozy looking solid -which is what each group wanted to achieve.

Through inquiry, asking about how different ratios affected the mixture, I learned that sometimes the right answer takes a lot more time than anticipated, but that the result in learning is worth it.

balloons!

My partner Eric Moore and I experimenting with our balloon!

Inquiry is the use of natural thought processes to mentally explore, question, and figure out how things work and why. I can show others that I understand inquiry and it's importance in the development of participating in a learning community of inquiry.

In the above picture I, along with my partner in crime Eric Moore, are trying to place the right amount of sand and other items into the egg carton cut out attached to our balloon to where the balloon will still float. We are using inquiry to determine what steps we might take to reach this goal.

As a teacher I can use inquiry to reach many goals in the classroom. When I allow my students the chance to experiment and experience different things through the use of their own inquiry they get a firsthand encounter of the material. In that, my students will learn how to become independent learners and explore the world around them! The more my students are able to explore their own world, the more likely it is that they will explore their world on their own without the aid of a teacher or another.