Week 13:

 week 13: 

 

1.) This week in the lab, we started by discussing modifications to our activity last week, where we tested the properties of different items in order to make it more friendly for second graders. Some of our group suggestions included simplifying the units of measurement, using objects that second graders have more experience with, and making the worksheet easier to fill out. Next, we had to create a model to represent density. Our group made a particle model. Finally, we had the choice between two questions so that we could create an experiment to find the answer to. Our group tested whether the particles dispersed faster in warmer or cooler water. I thought that this activity aligned really well with the list of ideas that we thought 2nd graders should be able to do. One thing on the list was creating or carrying out your own investigation. That is exactly what this activity was. We were given very little direction as to how we should find the answer to our question. Our group decided to draw a circle around the M&M and observe whether the color filled the circle faster in warmer or cooler water. It moved faster in warmer water. I really enjoyed how much control we had over this activity. As Jeff walked around, he knew some of our ideas wouldn’t work, but he let them test them anyway. By failing, we were able to adapt our expirement to better answer the question and develop our understanding of the concept.

 

2.) This week served as a really good refresher on density. I remembered learning about it in K–12 by looking at a particle model and discussing the gold foil expiration. However, I thought this class did a good job at showing me how I could teach this concept to elementary students, which can be difficult because students cannot see the particles. The particle model made this concept very clear and easy to understand for students. Additionally, I think that having students act as particles themselves, moving further and closer together, could be a fun activity to help enforce this concept.

 

5.) I am still confused with the question that we were asked at the beginning of class, “Why do substances have different densities?” I understand that substances have different densities, and could explain how their particles are packed, but I have no clue as to why density is different in different substances. I would like to discuss this more so that I have a more definite answer.