Great Copper Cleaning Experiment

I enjoyed this easy experiment with my First graders that showed the amazing chemical change of a dirty copper penny(copper oxide) back into its pure clean copper. If you dip it into vinegar and a dash of salt you will see the change. You can also use lemon juice and tomato sauce. I thought it would be fun to experiment with other things that the kids came up with. We tried some cleaning items, soda, and spit. None worked as well as the things with acid.

A cool-I mean HOT heat experiment!

I just did a very simple heat experiment with my daughter that answered our question-what material is the best insulator of heat? All you need is 4 mugs, boiling water, 4 types of material big enough to cover the top of the mugs, (foil, wool, linen and paper is what I used), 4 rubber bands, and a thermometer.

First you put the same amount of boiling water in the mugs. Then you cover with your 4 materials and wait 30 min.s. We predicted the foil would be best. It was-it was 108 degrees.

However, to our surprise the other 3 worked well too. They were still 102 degrees-all the same.
We then put our info. on a line graph and decided to always use steel to go cups for our coffee and hot chocolate.

Collison of Vehicles

just had fun making a ramp out of a binder and experimenting with the steepness as one car collided into another car.I did have an idea that the steeper hill would make more force as well as an increase of mass. My experience of riding bikes up steep hills has taught me a lot.I ususally can't keep up with my daughter until we coast down. Then my larger mass gives me an edge.The experiment I designed went like this: I held the truck on a marked spot at the top of the binder then let go for it to hit another car left at the bottom on a marked spot. After they collided I drew a line under the one that got hit. I placed paper under it before the experiment. Then after 3 hits I raised the ramp by putting a pillow under it. I repeated the same experiment and marked the hit car to notice it went further and was hit with more force.I did each type 3 times each.Then I taped on a quarter to the car at the top of the ramp to test how mass might affect a collision. The ramp stayed the same and I did 3 hits with a quarter and 3 hits without. It was clear that the greater the mass the more forceful the collison. Both experiments worked well, and they are simple enough for First graders, so I would not change a thing. However, I did think the cars were a little cheap and my modification would be to use metal match box cars. I think the higher quality wheels would produce better results. It might also be fun to add little people to see how far they fly.

As I reflect on this lesson I can see room for improvement. It is engaging and

educational. However, I would have loved to use technology more. I know there is a

wealth of information available at my finger tips, but I have only so much time. My

life as a mom taking my two kids to their roller hockey practices, doing laundry, and

shopping and cooking have to fit in to my schedule too. I guess I could use an

assistant to look up web sites that might include games to be played on the computer,

more video clips and interactive activities. (Maybe I could pay my 13 year old son or

beg our computer teacher for extra help!)

Some other things I thought I could add would be a song about butterflies and

nature, or maybe a dance or hand show; like itsy bitsy spider. First graders love to sing

and dance.

One thing I did add this week was a Spring poem. I told the kids to reflect on the

butterflies. It incorporated the senses. I had them close their eyes and imagine a

beautiful Spring day. I asked them what they saw, touched, tasted, heard, and smelled.

Then I gave them a sheet to fill in that said I see, I smell, etc. Like John Dewey, I

believe it is great to integrate all subject areas.

I am personally inspired to learn through observation, as I can’t wait to see if

middle Mike became a chrysalis, and then see them all emerge as new creatures. I have

noticed a new excited attitude in the air, as my students can’t wait to look in the

sanctuary as well. They love learning when it is real and they experience it with their

senses..

In conclusion, I know they got the big lesson or big picture. They feel an

emotional attachment and appreciation for another living creature as

a result of this lesson. I feel very proud to say this, because I do believe what our text

says, “meaningful learning for most students occurs when scientific knowledge is

integrated into the student’s personal experience” (Buxton, C. & Provenzo, E., 2007).









References

Buxton, C.A. & Provenzo, E. F. Jr . (2007) Teaching Science in Elementary & Middle School: A Cognitive and Cultural Approach. Thousand Oaks CA: Sage
Publications.

Tsunami Alert

• We had a Tsunami warning due to the earthquake in Chile, but it turned out to be a small wave. It was a scarey feeling not knowing how big the wave might be. Thank God my house is on high ground and we all had a long warning time to go to high ground.