Week 12


 This week in lab we learned more about matter and properties of matter. To explore these concepts we conducted multiple experiments with our table groups. We first tested if objects would sink or float. Most of the smaller, lighter objects floated while the bigger and heavier objects sunk. We also tested if objects of the same substance would have the same volume if they were different masses. We found that the smaller objects had less volume even though they were the same substance. We also tested the mass of objects with the same substance but different sizes and found that they do not have the same mass. We then tested if objects would be conductors for electricity and found that both the pennies and wrappers were conductors for electricity. Lastly, we found that paper clips were magnetic. 

I learned in this lab that a property is a characteristic of a substance and that they can be measured. Different materials have different properties because they are made of different things and for different things. 

I enjoyed doing these experiments and think they would transfer well to the Elementary science classroom. The experiments were engaging and informative by allowing students to be hands on and test multiple types of matter. We could really analyze the properties that made up each substance and make predictions about what we thought would happen. I think having the students make real time predictions and observations on something like the big white boards we used is a great idea to ensure that students are thinking critically about what is happening. 





Comments

  1. Julia MikkelsenApril 12, 2023 at 12:03 PM

    Great post Matt! I also agree that the white boards were a great resource to mark down out observations. I also really like how hands on this experiment is and how engaging it is for the students.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amber EmbrockApril 12, 2023 at 12:48 PM

    Good post Matt! I found this activity really fun and engaging so I can imagine elementary students loving this activity. I did this activity with my 3rd graders before, but we mainly focused on electricity. The students learned so much from the up close and hands on lesson.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ali CraigApril 12, 2023 at 2:37 PM

    Hi Matt, this is a great post! I really like your definition of properties, and how you described matter as a substance. I love your idea of making real-time predictions before conducting the experiments, I also would like to incorporate that if I use this activity in my future classroom!

    ReplyDelete

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