Sixth-grade students at Godley 6th Grade Campus are exploring science through hands-on investigations that challenge them to observe, experiment, problem-solve and make connections to the world around them.

Recent science lessons have taken students beyond the textbook and screen with interactive activities focused on forces, motion, magnetism and physical and chemical changes.

During investigations of friction and motion, students compared how far objects traveled across smooth and rough surfaces. By observing and comparing the results, students saw firsthand how friction affects an object's movement.

Students also explored magnetism and the forces of attraction and repulsion. Using magnets, they demonstrated how forces can push and pull objects without direct contact, turning an abstract scientific concept into something they could observe and investigate.

Other sixth-grade lessons have focused on physical and chemical changes. Through experimentation, students observed changes in matter, worked collaboratively and used evidence from their investigations to distinguish between physical and chemical changes.

Students have also used toys, gadgets and other interactive materials to explore early physics concepts. The activities encourage students to think about cause and effect, predict outcomes and use logic and scientific reasoning to explain why objects move and behave in different ways.

Through experimentation and discovery, students are building scientific curiosity along with critical-thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills that provide a foundation for more advanced learning.