Week 14 - Methods 1

This week in lab we explored how creating a particle model of matter can help to explain three of our previous experiments.

We began by drawing white board models within our table groups to explain why a plunger sticks to a table after you push it. My group did drew the difference in plunger pressure/density between a table interaction versus a cardboard material interaction. We often take away student opportunity to really own what they know and don't know in elementary school. After finishing our incomplete models at our tables, we turned to our neighbors and conversed with them about our thoughts. 

The next thing we focused on was simulations to help explain two phenomena - the ice melting faster on wood than a metal pan and cold drinks getting water droplets around it or "sweating". We split as a class to tackle both phenomena. My group focused on the water droplets.

My groups investigation question was: Why do cold drinks get water droplets on the outside?

To investigate this question we did three online simulations surrounding particles, temperature, and water molecules. We learned the following from each:

1.) We learned that the stronger the attractions the higher the melting point temperature is.

2.) The heat of the particles moved downwards overall, transferring temperature to surrounding particles.

3.) H20 molecules bond together when at a low temperature and separate and become more active at a higher temperature.

All of these simulations helped us explain condensation around the pop can. We created a flip video explaining the process we learned. Something I am still wondering after this activity, is how elementary students of lower grade levels could do flip videos if they cannot write & what that would look like.