Students first get introduced to the concepts of pure substances and mixtures, and the particle theory by doing a photo-hunt for matter in their home and exploring the world of particles through images from electron microscopes. Then students design their own experiments following the scientific method to answer questions about the properties of matter. Scaffolding can be used to encourage gradual release of responsibility for choices of materials and methods. In a second activity, students are required to design and build a water purifying system using basic materials to separate the various ‘pollutants’, with a focus on disposal of the ‘refuse’ of the experiment in an eco-sensitive manner.
Related Resources:
The Kindergarten Movement Project
Categories: Lab/Student Activity
Stuck by Oliver Jeffers is a story about a boy who gets his kite stuck in a tree. He throws other objects up into the tree to try and get his kite down. This book can be used to inspire the design... read more
Wind Structures Design Challenge Student Package
Categories: General Interest, Lab/Student Activity
Written by Stephanie Chimenti, Don Galbraith Award Recipient 2022, York University. read more
The Challenge: Create a Bridge Simulation
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Lesson Plan
Students will participate in the following design challenge: With the increase in extreme weather, design a bridge with a specific purpose and adaptations to withstand the weather conditions of the... read more