OMSI Field Trip
/On Tuesday we had the opportunity to visit Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). Over the last couple of months, the Otters were immersed in an engineering unit that involved students engineering egg drop contraptions, Rube Goldberg simple machines, Rigamajig structures, computer programs and leprechaun traps. We learned that engineers go through the process of asking questions, planning, creating, and improving/modifying their designs. We also learned that engineering takes much persistence and grit. At OMSI we had the chance to view the Jurassic World by Brickman exhibit which showcased incredible feats of engineering using Lego bricks. In fact, there were over six million Lego bricks used in this artistic exhibit!
Since our upcoming unit of study is on states of matter and chemistry, a stop at OMSI’s chemistry lab was a must. In the chem lab OMSI employees guided students through multiple hands-on science demonstrations. We were able to interact with different types of solids, liquids, and gases. We learned that chemical reactions can change the temperature of materials. We also created a non-Newtonian fluid and learned how to use different scientific equipment such as a beakers, flasks, and graduated cylinders. One of our favorite demonstrations was when a scientist poured carbon dioxide (which is denser than oxygen) onto a candle to extinguish the flame. Amazing!
Students also had a chance to explore the museum in small groups with their parent and teacher chaperones. Groups had the opportunity to visit the physics lab, the turbine hall, the natural sciences hall, the paleontology lab, and/or the life labs. Students came back to school bursting with new insights, connections, and scientific facts. A huge thank you to our drivers and our parent chaperones, without whom this field trip would not have been possible.
