A3.1 Applications at home and in the community
Example
Name the science behind a rain barrel and a bike helmet, and the problem each solves.
- Rain barrel: collects roof water, so the garden needs less tap water in a dry spell.
- Helmet: the foam takes the force of a fall and squashes, so your head does not.
Example
Name the science behind a bridge's triangular braces, and the problem it solves.
- Braces: a triangle cannot change shape unless a side changes length, so the bridge holds under load.
A3.2 Science with other subjects
Example
Plan a schoolyard pollinator garden using science, math, social studies and art.
- Science: native plants that flower from spring to fall; sun and soil each needs.
- Math: measure the plot; space plants; count visiting insects in a tally each week.
- Social studies: which plants grow here and who has grown them. Art: a map and labels for visitors.
A3.3 Contributions from many communities
Science and technology have been built by many communities over thousands of years. In this part of the world, people planted corn, beans and squash together — the Three Sisters — so each plant helped the others. People built fish weirs to guide fish into traps, and birchbark canoes light enough to carry between rivers.
Example
Explain the science in Three Sisters planting and in a birchbark canoe.
- Corn gives the beans a pole; beans add nutrients to the soil; broad squash leaves shade out weeds and keep the soil moist.
- Birch bark is light and sheds water; sewn over a wooden frame, it makes a boat one person can carry.
Remember: Each idea was tested over generations and passed on — that is science.
Summary
- Everyday things solve problems with science.
- Subjects combine on one project.
- Practices tested over generations are science too.