Elementary Science Methods I

  This week in lab, we began by discussing the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. We used stimulations to visualize the particle makeup of each state of matter, deepening my understanding of how particles behave in different forms. We then connected this to our plunger experiment from week one by investigating why the plunger stuck to some surfaces and not others. We discovered that the plunger sticks when air is pushed out, creating a seal. But I am curious to learn more about this in lecture. We also revisited another investigation from week one, where my partner and I explored why ice melts faster on metal than on wood. Through experimentation, we found that metal conducts heat more effectively because its particles are more tightly packed and transfer energy more quickly. In contrast, wood contains air pockets that slow down heat transfer. As a result, ice melts faster on metal because it heats up more rapidly, causing the ice particles to gain energy and melt sooner. I ...

  This week in lab, we discussed matter, density, and how substances react in different conditions. We began by exploring density with a dice activity. We were given a small dice and a large dice and had to determine which one would sink or float, or if they would have similar behavior. We discovered that the dice both sank because they have a density that is larger than water. We calculated the density by dividing the mass by the volume. We then built on this by revisiting our M&M activity. This time, we were trying to determine which M&M color spreads the fastest and why this happens. My group discovered that the darker colors typically spread out more slowly than the lighter ones. However, we also tested what happens when we change the temperature of the water. When the water temperature was hotter, the M&M color would spread much faster. When the water temperature was cooler, the M&M color would spread much more slowly. We then learned that this is because tempe...

  This week in lab, we discussed the properties of matter. We explored the impact of properties and whether the properties change when objects are broken into pieces through an activity. In this activity, we tested a whole object and a piece of it to determine if their volume or mass, and ability to float, conduct electricity, and be attracted to a magnet would change. Overall, we discovered that breaking an object into pieces did not change its properties and cause changes within our tests. The changes within our tests were instead caused by the materials that the objects were made of.  I can apply much of what I've learned to my teaching in the future. It is important to refresh and solidify my understanding of the properties of matter and how they affect the substances, so I can better educate my students. Furthermore, it is important for me to engage in labs similar to the one we did today so that I can effectively implement them into my future classroom. I would like to u...

 In lab today, we explored 6 scientific phenomena within different stations. In the melting ice station, I predicted that the ice would melt faster on the wooden cutting board compared to the metal pot because the pot is colder. However, the ice cube melted faster in the pot. I think this may have been because of the material of the pot since they are often used for cooking, but I am wondering what about that material causes melting and how that is possible when the wood is warmer. At the coke station, I predicted that the coke would become wet again after we dry it off. I thought that would happen due to condensation and humidity, however, our Coke did not become wet and I am wondering if that is due to the cooler, dry temperature today. At the plunger push station, I predicted that the plunger would be hard to pull straight up, but easier when you pull at the sides. This was proven true when we tested it and I think that was due to letting air in to release the pressure. Whe...

 This week in lab, we discussed mutations and evolution. I learned that evolution is the process by which organisms develop adaptations to their environments. I also learned that there are four drivers of evolution which are natural selection, genetic drift, migration, and mutation. To deepen our understanding of evolution we did a class activity where we were each given a different utensil and had to determine which utensil collected the most beans. The utensils represented favorable traits and the beans represented the prey. This activity helped to demonstrate how certain traits make it easier for an organism to survive and reproduce. These traits then become more common in a population, which is how natural selection works. Overall, this activity made the concept of evolution much more clear and engaging.  I will be able to apply much of what I learned into my future teaching in many ways. It is important to review concepts such as evolution, natural selection, and mutation...

  This week in lab we checked on our fast plants and determined what phase of their life cycle they are in. We then reviewed and learned more about the central dogma, genetics, and genetic mutations. I learned that there are three types of genetic mutations: insertion, deletion, and substitutions. We explored these types of mutations through a super hero activity. Furthermore, I found it interesting to use the stimulations to visualize the process of DNA transcription into mRNA and how it then develops into proteins. It was especially interesting to incorporate genetic mutations and watch how that affected the process.  I will be able to apply much of what we learned to my future teaching. Due to our class activities, I can visualize how mutations affect the DNA transcription and translation processes, therefore I can better explain these concepts to my future students. The super hero activity especially supported my understanding, and is an activity I would use in my classroo...