EDUC 4300

Week 6 – 10/3 and 10/8

Topics:  The Processes of Science

Review

1.        What concepts learned

2.        Pendulum activity:  Brainstorm the many variables and develop concepts

a.        bring pencils, string, 8-10 metal washers of the same size, desk or table (let students work in groups and create their own pendulum),

b.       let students tap the desk in time with the rhythm (back – forth – back – forth…)…

c.        Ask students what will make this pendulum move faster or slower and brainstorm responses (variables).

d.       Speed – how do we measure speed (can we measure time w/o the distance?) – period, how do we measure time? 

e.       For each variable or factor, identify the effect it will have on the speed of the pendulum (hypothesis) 

f.         Collect data

3.        Rolling cart activity:  How long does it take a cart to roll down a ramp?  (toy trucks, wood plank)

    Goals: 

1.        To develop facility in the processes of science

2.        To investigate ways in which children can develop process skills

Mini activities:

1.        Ashlee and Rachel (AM)

2.        Anna, Chanelle, Kristin

Hands-on Science – Rockets by Davis

                Develop an activity from the rockets that includes all twelve processes.  Identify each process and show how it is experienced by children in the successful completion of the activity.