Week of January 29-February 2

This week, the 3rd graders investigated a real environmental mystery happening in the nearby town of Red Bank. The Navesink River had been experiencing higher than normal levels of bacteria caused by human and animal feces. We did some research to find out what was causing the problem and what is being done to solve it. We discovered that there were some leaking pipes causing human waste to go right into storm drains and eventually into the river. People are also not cleaning up after their pets, and rain brings this waste to the river. Things like chemicals from lawns and waste from farm animals are also part of the problem. One solution is to educate the citizens about the importance of cleaning up after pets and being careful with what they use on their lawns. Another solution is to introduce oysters back into the river because they naturally filter water.

Some 4th graders added color sensors to their robots this week and are exploring ways to change the robot's behavior based on the reflected light bouncing back from the color sensor. Some groups are also exploring how to to get the robot to do different things based on the specific colors it detects using a multiple switch.

The robot will use the color sensor to navigate through this obstacle course. 

The 5th graders designed a new invention made from a piece of their dismantled technology. Then they had to pitch the idea to investors - Shark Tank style! Check out one example below: the ThermoScoop!