JPII’s 6th graders are diving into the scientific method and investigations with excitement and curiosity! Recently, students explored quantitative and qualitative data during the classic Water on a Penny lab. Each student formed a hypothesis about how many drops of water a penny could hold before spilling over—and the record-breaking result surprised everyone: 109 drops!

These hands-on lessons are more than just fun—they’re building blocks for future learning. Students are discovering how to ask questions, make predictions, collect data, and evaluate results. These skills will carry them through high school, college, and beyond, preparing them to think critically and problem-solve in any field.

“It’s not just about how many drops of water fit on a penny,” said science teacher, Mrs. Nicole Schatzle. “It’s about learning how to think like a scientist, how to test ideas, and how to be curious. Science should always be safe, fun, and a little surprising!”

As part of their work, students also practiced safe lab habits—because in science, safety is always the first steps to discovery.  “The laughter, the teamwork, and even the surprise of seeing a penny hold 109 drops all remind students that science is exciting. These early lessons give them confidence to keep exploring and remind them that fun and safety go hand-in-hand in the lab,” she said.

With their curiosity firmly in place, JPII’s young scientists are already proving that the future of discovery is in good hands.