Group items tagged

Standard 6.NS.1 - Understand that the properties and behavior of matter can be explained by a model that depicts particles representing atoms or molecules in motion. Extension: Once students understand properties of different liquids, they can think how to manipulate those liquids and their properties. One example would be to heat up one liquid to several different temperatures and see how they interact. Adaptation: Teacher could split students into groups of 3-4 and have them stack liquids on their own. Students could bring in several liquids from home (all approved) and try stacking them based on the observed properties.

Standards: 1.1.2, 1.1.3

Expansion: The maple syrup part of this will be a little difficult with a stove in a classroom, but experiment with different types of liquids or solids.  Salt-water might be an interesting long-term experiment for changing a liquid to a solid.  That, or be very cautious how this is done. 

ESL: Recording findings will help students reinforce science writing skills. 

Standard: 6.DP.1-11, 5.DP.1-11

Expansion: Have students record their hypothesis of what the different liquids will do before they perform the experiment, and then the results when they are finished.  

ESL: working in groups to perform experiments will help reinforce vocabulary and understanding.  

CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.A.2

Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l).1 Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.2

Activity is great to add real world context to ELL and low English speaking students. Provides a real world context for students to start thinking about measurement in. Brings items from the household into the classroom. Extend the activity by introducing the concept of adding two different measurements (1/4 + 3/4) together to make one whole.

CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.2 Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money, including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Represent measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement scale

These experiments should be conducted with a science notebook so students make predictions and observations, draw pictures, and record their findings. They are fun experiments to do in class, but they should be tied into a lesson about why the things happen in the experiment.  Like I have been noting in many of my science lesson activities, know your students and their capabilities and make sure that they understand what is going on.  Lessons that involve the student observing and note-taking in a science journal allow them to work at their own pace and according to their own abilities, so the nature of the assignment means that it is already adapted for all different learners. 5.NS.1 Make predictions and formulate testable questions. 5.NS.3 Plan and carry out investigations-often over a period of several lessons-as a class, in small groups or independently.

5.DP.3 Document the design throughout the entire design process. 5.DP.4 Select a solution to the need or problem.

2.4.3 Identify a need and design a simple tool to meet that need.

CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.2 Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps.

This activity is great for all learners because it takes an abstract concept like mass (weight) and provides a visual for students to think about, in terms of 1 crayon equals 2 erasers in mass, or 2 crayons equal 1 pencil in length). It provides opportunities for ELL and low English speaking students to work with measurement on terms they are familiar with. It could be extended by switching to standard units of measurement such as inches, centimeters, or grams.

CCSS.Math.Content.3.MD.A.2 Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l).1 Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.

Standards: 4.DP.1-11, 4.1.3, 4.1.4

Expansion: Have students record hypotheses about what will happen and results.  Have students try other types of liquids and solids to see if they work.  Hook juice up to a lightbulb to test whether it works.  

ESL: Collaborative work and recording data will help reinforce esl vocabulary and understanding of science processes.