Cycles: Why Are They So Important?

Thursday, October 1, 2015, the Gabbianos were charged with exploring the concept of "cycles". Why do scientists use a cyclical approach when conducting experiments?  Why do engineers use a cyclical approach?  First we brainstormed where in our daily lives we find cycles.  We then categorized the different types of cycles.  We attempted to identify non-cycles, too.  Lastly, we reflected on what all the cycles have in common and wrote some generalizations:
1.  Cycles are all around us,
2.  Cycles are inter-related,
3.  Cycles cause change, change can be positive or negative, fast or slow, man-made or happen naturally, and
4.  Cycles repeat over time.

This lively discussion led us to the creation of pendulums and conducting of scientific experimentation with different variables,  Students identified ways to change to the period per second of a given pendulum swing.  Students were encourage to use a cyclical approach during the execution of their experiment.

As students collected data, Miss W. (our ODU practicum student) and I encouraged them to consider this cyclical approach.  Was it helpful to follow a cycle of observe, take data, change variable, observe, take data, and repeat?  What happened if the cycle was disrupted?  What were the results?

The study of how and why practitioners use a cyclical approach is essential to building student understanding of and respect for the scientific method.  Teachers are guilty of telling students it is important to follow a cyclical protocol, but when do the students learn for themselves how important these protocols are?  Well, I am hoping their understanding has deepened as a result of our first official STEAM day!

We will continue to explore and use cyclical protocols during the field trip to the Virginia Air and Space Center this week.  You can further this effort by discussing cycles at home!