SAVY 2019: Session 6, Day 1 – Matter Mysteries (Rising 1st/2nd)
Hello SAVY parents! I’m very excited for our first session of Mystery Matters here at summer SAVY. In this course the students utilize a hands-on approach that will allow them to build their knowledge base and their skills as they explore science topics through play and planned investigations. Students are engaged in creative and critical thinking, problem finding and solving, process skill development, and communication opportunities.
What’s the Matter? is a physical science unit for high-ability learners that focus on the properties of solids, liquids, gases, and the processes by which matter changes states. Students in this course will work on problem-solving scenarios that utilize their new knowledge of matter, change in physical properties, and the measurement of matter – all while preparing a presentation to share new ideas and discoveries about matter in a classroom Matter Conference. The overarching concept of change is incorporated within the lessons to deepen students’ understanding of the scientific concepts in this unit.
The class began with a lesson on safety in the science classroom. As we simulate the work of real scientist, students will develop a systematic set of inquiry skills. As scientist, students must learn the basic safety precautions that are necessary while performing experiments of different nature. Some sample investigation tools were laid out on the table. I began to imitate some not so safe lab procedures and the students were able to quickly identify how I could conduct my experiment in a more appropriate fashion. It was a lot of fun to see the students’ reactions when I practiced safety procedures that were not so safe!
The natural world changes continually; however, some changes may be too slow to observe. Students were able to take a nature walk outside and identify at least ten examples of things that change. It was brought to their attention that not all things that change can be seen. This statement allowed students to think of changes that can be noticed by using one of their senses other than sight. Illustrations were drawn to represent how an object might look before and after a change occurred.
Our first experiment consisted of me filling a clear jar halfway full with water. Students began thinking like a scientist as I began to pour vegetable oil in the same glass. Observations were made about why oil and water did not mix. We noticed all the oil at the top and the water at the bottom. Next, I placed three ice cubes with blue food coloring in the mixture and let it sit for a while. After lunch the students noticed that all of the water settled at the bottom was now blue and the oil still remained at the top of the mixture. We had lots of good discussion about the changes that had taken place over time. The following generalizations about change were made:
Change is everywhere.
Change is related to time.
Change can be natural or manmade.
Change may be random or predictable.
Thank you for a great day here at summer SAVY! I look forward to the many experiments we have planned for the remainder of the course. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Thank you so much!!
Love,
D. Polk
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