We had our first opportunity to use the sandbox with students in science class this past week. Working with the 5th grade science teacher, Ms. Waid, students reviewed the key elements of topographical maps and explored live changes to topography as they recreated real-life maps in the sandbox. They replicated the Santa Monica mountains and coastline, and rebuilt Crater Lake in Oregon.
The groups discussed contour lines and intervals, what it meant when lines were closer together or farther apart, and what the different colors on the map represent. In addition to reviewing these core topographical elements, students were asked about water sheds, where local water sheds reside, and how rain water should flow given certain geographical formations. We then ran the rain simulator so that students could test whether their hypotheses regarding water shed locations were true, and discussed the impact of unusable rain water that drains to the ocean, and scarcity of water in times of drought.
Discussion also included the formation of Crater Lake, an existing caldera, and how over time, rain water and snow fall can build up to form a lake.
The groups discussed contour lines and intervals, what it meant when lines were closer together or farther apart, and what the different colors on the map represent. In addition to reviewing these core topographical elements, students were asked about water sheds, where local water sheds reside, and how rain water should flow given certain geographical formations. We then ran the rain simulator so that students could test whether their hypotheses regarding water shed locations were true, and discussed the impact of unusable rain water that drains to the ocean, and scarcity of water in times of drought.
Discussion also included the formation of Crater Lake, an existing caldera, and how over time, rain water and snow fall can build up to form a lake.
Below, students are generating rain fall by placing their hands above the surface. At the right height, the XBox Kinect sees these objects differently, and the software is directed to run the water simulator.
I look forward to future classroom uses of the sandbox. Volcanos are a natural fit with this tool, but as new software is developed, I am hopeful there will be many more avenues for inclusion at different grade levels and subject areas.
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