Classical Conversations
Week 16 for Tutors
Great Artists - Durer
This week we are focusing on the works of Durer, and his technique of making woodprints. He is the greatest printmaker of all time. Remember to spend about five minutes discussing with your students some of the biography of Durer, and show a few of his famous works - then discuss what we are planning to do with our project -before coming to the art tables. I will have seven tables set up again, which seemed to work best. Each student will be able to choose between using the soft balsa wood (along with the metal pieces and a hammer) or a piece of foam. Either option does require deep imprints into their print base, in order to show up properly on the paper when stamped. Please also remind them to take extreme caution with the hammers and not bop their neighbor on the head or pound themselves on their thumb. After each student has made their print, we will rub a thin layer of black acrylic paint over the wood or foam, and then press firmly onto their paper. They can also share with their classmates and use their creations to make prints as well, based on time.
Science Experiment #130 - Stretch
This experiment will be completed by each student. Each student will have a balloon, upon which they will draw a rectangle with three compartments. They will color in the two compartments on each end. Then, they will practice blowing up the balloon - a little bit at first, and observing how the rectangle has changed; then a little bit more, stop and observe again; continue until the balloon is fully inflated. Younger classes may need the tutor and/or parents to assist with this, as they might not be able to actually blow the balloon up themselves. We are demonstrating the effects of 'tension force', so be sure to explain to them what those terms mean, and ask them what they think will happen to the rectangle on the balloon before they begin blowing it up.
Science Experiment #132 - Spurt
This experiment will be a tutor demonstration, with participation from the students. We will be using a tube of toothpaste to demonstrate what might cause magma to move. Students will take turns squishing the tube of toothpaste, and observing what happens with each pressure of their fingers. Alternatively, I might also bring in some smaller paper cups with dirt in them, and allow the students to squirt the toothpaste into the dirt (from underneath - I would put small holes in the cup) and visually see how magma can move the layers of the earth above it - if I do decide to add on this additional piece, I will demonstrate it on Tuesday morning for all of you.