Week 12 Blog

 

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 use a similar lab with my students. I think they would enjoy testing all these different materials on their own while also strengthening their understanding of the properties of matter. 

In conclusion, I think hands-on experiences like this not only make science more engaging but also help students build critical thinking skills through observation and experimentation. By conducting their own tests, students can draw conclusions based on evidence, which reinforces their learning in a meaningful way. I look forward to creating a classroom environment where exploration and inquiry are encouraged. One question I have after this week is, how can I explain the properties of matter in a way that makes the concepts clear and meaningful for all students? 

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