Week 14:

 Week 14: 

1.) In the lab this week, first we used particle models to explain why a plunger sticks to the surface of a table. We said that the particles in the table are denser compared to other surfaces. When you push down on the plunger, the air inside compresses and pushes back against the pressure from outside. The density of the table also prevents air from escaping, which causes it to stick. Then our group had to make a flip video explaining why ice melts faster on a metal surface compared to wood. My group concluded that metal is denser. Because of this, heat travels through the metal particles quickly and has more collusions with the ice, which causes it to melt. More collisions will make the particles in the metal move faster, which causes an increase in temperature. 

2.) I really enjoyed the flip book activity. I thought that it was very engaging compared to a generic worksheet. Additionally, I think it’s beneficial for the class to be able to watch the videos and see what conclusions their peers reached. I also liked the group aspect; this would give opportunities for scaffolding and encourage the students to learn together. I would love to use an activity like this in my future classroom. 

 

5.) I wonder what could be done to improve our plunger model. I think we did a fairly good job showing the particle density, but it doesn’t really show the inside and outside forces pushing against each other. I wonder how we could have shown this.