Week 12 Blog Post

    Today in the lab, we learned more about the different properties of matter and discovered how these properties can vary depending on the type of matter. We tested many different objects, such as clay, wax, crayons, erasers, chalk, pennies, tin foil, and wood, to determine whether they float or sink, their mass and volume, whether they are attracted to a magnet, and whether they will conduct electricity. 

    I was able to relate the lab to what I already knew about matter having different properties because I already understood that some materials can float or sink and that certain metals are magnetic, but testing these properties firsthand helped reinforce that knowledge and showed me how these properties can be measured and observed in different ways. 

    The part about testing for magnetism and floating/sinking was clear and easy to observe, as well as measuring mass and volume. One part that was a little confusing was understanding why some materials conducted electricity while others didn’t, especially when they looked similar or we thought that they would. 

    This lab gave me ideas for how to make science hands-on and engaging for students. I think that using everyday objects to explore scientific concepts helps make learning more relatable and fun. I think that using this activity in my future classroom would help the students learn about these properties of matter in a way that almost feels like a game. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 8: Geology that Kids See

Image
 Week 8: Geology that Kids See  1. What did you do in the lab today?  Today in lab, we started by discussing the Sweater Weather article with the class. Then we moved on to examine different types of sand under a microscope, trying to determine where each type came from. As a group, we decided on some sand samples, primarily those most likely from water. After this, we moved on to examining fossils under the microscope, identifying their types, and comparing them to rocks. Finally, we took a field trip to McBride Hall and looked through the museum. The point of this field trip was to show us how we can teach our students about these topics through going somewhere to learn, enhancing learning, and engagement. For example, they have a giant sloth at this museum, and Ted mentioned that it is important for students to see it in person to support their learning.  2. What was the big question?  How can rocks and fossils help us understand Earth’s history? How do weath...
Read more

Week 11 Blog Post

Image
          This week, we went to six stations in the lab, each with a different scientific phenomenon:  Coke Float : We put four cans into a bucket of water: a mini can of Coke and a mini can of diet Coke, which both floated in the water. We also put a regular can of Coke and a regular can of diet Coke into the water. The diet Coke floated, and the Coke sunk. Our group concluded that the sugar in regular Coke is denser, which causes it to sink, and since diet Coke doesn't contain sugar, it floated. We are still unsure why the Coke mini can didn't sink when the regular size did.  Baking Soda and Vinegar : When the baking soda was mixed into the bag with vinegar, a chemical reaction caused it to become bubbly and carbonated. We also noticed that gas was created as the bag filled. We do not know why this happened.  Cold Soda : When taking the soda can out of the cooler, water begins forming outside the can and causes the can to get warm. This is ...
Read more