Second Grade Scientists Study Balance and Motion—and Coin a New Term: Torquenado!

Science learning in second grade is currently centered on balance, motion, and the scientific underpinnings of spinning. Second graders spent time Wednesday designing their own tops, creating designs they thought would look interesting once spun. Through their experiments in creating tops out of a shaft and disks, the class learned about force (a push or pull), friction (a force that opposes motions), and torque (a twisting force). This is part of the physical science component of the second grade science curriculum.

 

“At the end of creating tops and experimenting with them,” smiled teacher Orr Agam, “Asher E. made an interesting science and language connection. He said, ‘Because of the twisting force of torque, I think we should call a twister a “Torquenado” instead of a Tornado!’" MORE PHOTOS