Welcome to Summer Science

My name is Mr. Raines!

I am a science teacher with the Cambridge Summer Camp. I've been with Cambridge for 10 years and look forward to bringing my experience

This summer, I will be lighting a little fire in your student. 

Do not ask your child if Mr. Raines sets
his hand on fire.

I will focus on teaching your student the fundamentals of scientific observation (click on the link to see an earlier article on small children and the scientific method). They will do experiments in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. 

My newsletter not only includes news about what has happened, and what will happen in my class, but it has tips and tricks for science at home. Remember, I am only your assistant teacher. You are the most important teacher in your student's life!


THIS WEEK

 The Kindergarten- 3rd grade contemplated the nature of AI (artificial intelligence)
The question was asked:
Can Robots Think?
We ran a variety of "maze runner" tests to see if our robots (HexBugs) were able to learn. For some of our groups, the results were inconclusive. Run the test at home. The bugs only inexpensive and fun to play with. 

The 2nd-graders count the seconds until their
HexBug escapes it's "cell".

Kindergarten kids watch the Hex-Bugs "fight" to see
which one is the strongest.

Science At Home

Next week, we will learn about aerodynamics and the physics involved. The easiest way to do that is making a paper airplane!

Can your child fold a paper air plane? Can you make one? No problem!

First, let me explain why this skill is important. 

• It is important for your student to develop the fine-motor-skills involved with paper folding. 
• paper folding demonstrates fundamentals in geometry. 
• this activity will broaden your child's skill-set in a number of unquantifiable ways. 
• Parents of healthy and smart children know that PLAY IS IMPORTANT!

Below, there is a link to website that has PRINTABLE templates for paper planes. It also has step-by-step video instructions on how to fold your plane. 

How to fold an airplane

If you are throwing them in the house... BE CAREFUL.