How many water drops will fit on a penny?

Today we discovered some interesting characteristics of water through an experiment to see how many drops of water would fit on a penny. 

We used a number line to record some of our predictions and results and worked in partners to use the droppers and to record the drops with tally marks. 

We recorded our observations and discovered that most groups fit between 10-30 drops on their penny, but that close to 20 drops was the most prevalent result.

We talked about why it was helpful to do this experiment many times. 

We discussed what could cause the variation in number of drops (a wobbly table, different sized drops, how soft or hard the drops were added)

We also explored how the water behaved on the coin.  We noticed that the water made round drops or beads, that connected together when they touched.  We also noticed that when we looked at the side view of our penny, the water overhung the edges. This gave us an opportunity to talk about the surface tension of water and how the droplets like to "stick together". 

Tomorrow we will compare water to some different liquids.

We also completed our exploration of patterns by reading a Mathology book about First Nations Beading.    

We found it interesting that BEAD can mean a thing (plastic bead), it can be an action word (to bead) like in the title of our book, and it can be a term in science for how water behaves!!!

We had a very nice collection of beads, but discussed how you may need to problem solve if there are fewer numbers of some beads.  Since there were only some big beads, we discussed and brainstormed ways to create our bracelets so everyone would be able to get enough big beads to complete their pattern.  Children chose to sit in a circle, to select the big beads first and plan out their bracelets on the carpet so that everyone was able to have enough.  Good problem solving!