Students worked in small groups to complete the investigations demonstrating physical and chemical change. The five stations: Ice Melt; Steel Wool in Vinegar; Vinegar and Baking Soda; Apple Slice and Candle Burn provided opportunities for students to use their observational skills and prior knowledge to answer the key question: How do you know whether the changes you observe are physical or chemical changes? The images below are of students working in the stations and also of their written work.
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I do believe the Exploreum overnight field trip was a hit! Everyone seemed to enjoy the pizza dinner, then off to the IMAX for "Mysteries of the Unseen World", a very intense lesson on the eye, a fun optical illusion toy, chemistry investigations, Chocolate exhibit, Scratch Lab (hands- on lab), and then, finally, some of us went to sleep. I can't thank you enough for allowing your child to participate in this experience, and a great big "thank you" to the moms and dads who chaperoned!
Dubious Doodling, an activity I learned at an eMints meeting, had the the students laughing and crying! Drawing a Christmas scene without looking, and without knowing in advance what you are drawing, helped the students see why a plan for their research is important to the success of the project.
This week we started our unit on Chemistry Matters! Students participated in five stations designed to review, teach and /or enrich their understanding of matter. One of the greatest achievements in chemistry was to prove that all matter in nature is built from about 100 elements and that no two atoms or molecules can occupy the same space at the same time. "A Matter of Stuff and Space" station's task requires the students determine the volume and mass for a wooden block, a golf ball and a cup of water. "Make Room for Me" - Part 1's task is to measure 50 ml of water and alcohol, then predict the total when combined; Part 2's task is to combine water and rock salt in a baby food jar, then shake the jar for one minute and observe the result; Part 3's task is to predict,then measure, the scoops of marbles, popping corn and sand to fill a baby food jar without removing the previous material. The "Kitchen Powders" station requires students observe and record what salt, baking soda, cream of tartar and sugar look like using a hand lens, then a microscope. Once they have recorded their observations, they need to determine the Mystery Powder( one of the four powders) and the Mystery Mixture( a combination of two of the powders).
Respond to the questions:
What is an indicator? If you add a chemical to an indicator and it doesn't change it is called a _________? If you add a chemical to an indicator and it changes to red it is called a________? If you add a chemical to an indicator and it changes to yellow it is called a ______? Did you enjoy this video? Why? Dear Parents: As listed on the class calendar, the Independent Research project begins this week. This week each student will receive a packet that includes: Project Planner, Timeline and Checklist sheet, the Primary Resources Log sheet and the Self- Reflection sheet. We will discuss each and establish due dates. * Next week, December 7 - 11, students will choose a topic, generate a research question or two and begin the actual research. As we are using the Talents Unlimited Decision - Making Talent to choose our topics, once chosen it cannot be changed. Also, as this is a learning opportunity, students are expected to generate a new project (Please refrain from reusing an existing project.), do as much of the research and product on their own and adhere to the due dates. Students will have time in class to work on the project and may come to my class, as allowed by the classroom teacher, during my consultative service hours to seek assistance or work on the project. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Margaret Dumas *I had planned to have the projects due before Christmas break, but looking at all that is scheduled school - wide, I think the most reasonable dates for completion would be the week of January 11- 15. I have uploaded a copy of the packet with specific dates for each component on the blog site.
The Coastal Arts field trip was an amazing experience! The students loved watching Kerry and Dan work with the liquid glass, shaping it in to an ornament and a fish. They were impressed with the amount of teamwork glass blowing requires, as well as the timing and attention to temperature. Once the demo was over, the students worked diligently on their sun catchers and then had loads of fun playing at the park.
I will collect the sun catchers on Friday, November 20 and students will be able to take their beautiful works of art home on November 30. Students were amazed at how the 2-D circle became a 3-D sphere by just adding arcs, a grid background and a little shadow - we love optical illusions!
Students : I am interested in what you think about Mr. Chihuly's art work, so after watching the video and thinking back to the other videos we watched, share your thoughts by commenting on this post.
Please do this before our November 17th field trip. |
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November 2023
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