All 4rd graders at Bryn Mawr were once 3rd graders, and those who were here last year made Doll houses for French Class. Now that we have studied parallel and series circuits and practiced connecting wires, using switches, and trying LEDs and incandescent bulbs, these 4th graders are ready to wire up their Model houses. Don't worry, any student who was not here to make a doll house has one provided to them, (styro-)foam bed and all. We are sure all are included. This task requires students to know how to avoid a short circuit and utilize their engineering skills.
A quick note about safety, these model houses are powered by a type of battery that may be unfamiliar to your. These are safer than alkaline and heat less in case of a short. They are rated to limit fire risk. These "Super Heavy Duty" batteries are not alkaline, they are carbon zinc. Big thanks to the previous science coordinator and teacher Bobbie Miyasocki for ensuring that the science program is being smart about what we use in our projects. I will continue to share her warning that it will be a good idea to leave the homemade electronics without power when in storage, regardless of the type of battery used.
Very Best,
Noah Robinson
