Sixth graders from Team 6A recently took their learning beyond the classroom with an engaging field trip to Jefferson Valley Lanes to explore the concept of mass. Guided by science teacher Lindsay Macchio, the outing brought the students’ study of the metric system to life while fostering teamwork.
At the bowling alley, the students put the scientific method into action by testing how the mass of a bowling ball affected their performance. The independent variable in their experiment was the weight of the ball, with students using various weights to gauge their impact on the game.
“Most students predicted that a lighter ball would improve their game, thinking it would give them better control,” Macchio said. “However, they were surprised to discover that the heavier ball, while harder to handle, actually knocked down more pins.”
Through the experiment, the students learned that the mass of the ball affected their scores. Many found they performed better with a heavier ball. The class also connected their findings to physics, discussing how mass influences velocity and the resulting motion and impact.
Not only did Team 6A gain a deeper understanding of mass and motion, but they also enjoyed a day of team building and fun, reinforcing both their scientific knowledge and their teamwork skills.
