Week 12 - Methods 1

    This week in lab we investigated the properties of matter. We started off by discussing our homework from last week. We went around and shared our 3-2-1 as a class. We learned that forcing students to use science terms other than their words takes away from their experience. We then dived into the substance of the lab by looking at multiple questions:

• How do properties change when objects are broken into pieces?
• Will it sink or float?
• Will it have the same volume?
• Will it have the same mass?
• Will it conduct electricity?
• Will it be attracted to a magnet?

    To explore and investigate these six questions in lab, we tested many objects in multiple activities. We wrote down our data as we went on a big whiteboard. For the sink or float investigation, we placed both half objects and whole objects in the water. Then in the volume investigation, we measured the volume of the objects in a graduated cylinder, both full pieces and a half pieces. Next for the mass investigation, we weighed all of the objects on a small scale. For the electricity investigation, we set up an electrical circuit with a battery, wires, and a lightbulb. We then tested to see which objects made the lightbulb light up and conducted electricity. Finally, in the last investigation over magnetic attraction, we tested whole objects and half objects of all the materials to see what they did with a magnet. 

Through these investigations, we found out that:

    At the end of class, we discussed the importance of student hands-on investigations despite the mess and clean up time. We also talked about the problem with Bill Nye videos. 

A remaining question I am left with after this lab is how do you make sure a class size of elementary students stay on task during these activities and do not mess around with the materials.