Week 11: Matter
This week, we focus on going through stations as an introduction to chemistry. The question that we focused on was: what is matter? How do we support elementary students in learning about matter and its interactions?
In lab, we transitioned through 6 stations that had a phenomenon and we needed to try and find an explanation for it. I attached some images from the stations that I found most interesting. All of them can be implemented in an elementary classroom as an introduction to a unit. This was used as an introduction to the next five weeks and we will be able to explain the phenomenon in the next couple of weeks. I am still wondering a lot of information about the stations like, why did the colors of the m&ms not mix, why did coke not float and diet coke did, and why did the metal pans met the ice quicker than the cutting board? I am also wondering how to control students during experiments like this and ensure they are gaining learning while also having fun with the experiment.
Control is the classroom is often something that worries teachers when doing science. I would say that classroom procedures are key. Master teachers I have watched have complete control over behaviors in the classroom while giving students freedom to explore. I have seen PBIS used, students repeating directions back the teacher, pauses, refocuses, and all of the other tricks that you will soon be great at.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great posts! I hope we have given you some interesting things you can do with kids!
Cheers,