Week 11 Blog

 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. When we tested the plunger on the cardboard it would not stick, and I believe this is due to the material's texture, but I am wondering why that is especially since it is still a hard surface. At the coke float station, I predicted that the smaller cans would float, and the larger cans would sink. When we tested this, the small cans and the large diet Coke floated, and the larger Coke sunk. I think this is due to the sugar content in a regular Coke, however, I am wondering why the weight does not impact the can's ability to float more than the sugar. At the baking soda and vinegar station, I predicted that the Ziploc would reopen once it was sealed. When we tested this, the ziploc did not open, but there was a bubbly reaction. I think this happened due to the chemical reaction between the two substances, but I am wondering what specifically caused this reaction between the vinegar and baking soda. Lastly, at the M&M station, I predicted that the water would become colorful once the M&Ms were mixed in water. This happened when we tested it, and I think this is because the coating of the M&Ms began to dissolve in the water. However, I am wondering why water causes this material to dissolve. 

I can apply much of what I learned today in my future teaching. Most importantly, I learned the importance of testing scientific hypotheses in the classroom and giving students opportunities to be curious. Many of these experiments can be replicated in our future classrooms and will prompt students to wonder about the world around them and ask questions. Furthermore, they will help students engage in critical thinking, make predictions, and observe the results reinforcing the process of discovery. In my future classroom, I want to create an environment feel comfortable and eager to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from each other. 

In conclusion, one question I have from this week is how do I balance between guiding my students and giving them the independence to explore and learn through discovery? 

Comments

  1. Carolyn PeckoshApril 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM

    Thanks for sharing! You made great connections to your future classroom. As for your question, a good way to balance guidance and independence could be to ask open-ended questions and let students explore while still giving support when needed. You're doing a great job!

    ReplyDelete

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