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:
Student Activity: Periodic Patterns
Categories: Lab/Student Activity
This demonstration emphasizes how we can make predictions based on patterns. A jigsaw puzzle is used as an analogy for the periodic table. Just as Mendeleev left gaps in his original periodic table,... read more
Teacher Demo/Student Activity: Measuring the Speed of Light
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Teacher Demonstration
This demonstration allows students to experimentally determine the speed of light by heating a piece of chocolate in a microwave oven. This demonstration is best used as an enrichment activity as the... read more
DESIGN-BUILD - EXPLORING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Unit Plan
Grade 1/2 integrated unit plan for Science and Technology, Mathematics, Art, Language (STEAM). This architecture-based project will foster an awareness of a cycle of inquiry and engage students in... read more
