Whoa! Where'd It Go? (States of Matter Data Collection)
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Total Duration:
91 to 120 Minutes
Materials and Resources:
even number of identical, clear containers (number depends upon whether students do experiments as whole-group, small groups, pairs, or individuals
lids to fit clear containers (one per pair of containers)
graduated cylinder(s)
thermometers (one per pair of containers)
writing utensils
paper for data collection (can use notebook paper, attached forms, or student-created forms)
1. Students will review with peers the states of matter, the properties of matter, and each state's chemical makeup. (If this is not a review, this needs to be taught.)
2. Students will discuss with their teacher how the increase or removal of heat affects changes in states of matter. (Removal of heat from a gas leads to formation of a liquid; removal of heat from a liquid leads to formation of a solid; addition of heat to a solid leads to formation of liquid; addition of heat to a liquid leads to formation of gas)
ACTIVITY/EXPERIMENT:
1. The teacher will discuss the importance of changing only one variable per experiment in order to keep results valid and know what actually causes changes in data.
2. Based on grade level, ability, or preference:
a. Students may design their own experiments to show how the increasing or removing of heat in the environment affects changes in states of matter.
b. Students may design their own parameters for experiments to show how the increasing or removing of heat in the environment affects changes in states of matter.
c. Students may be given experiments to show how the increasing or removing of heat in the environment affects changes in states of matter. Example experiments:
Place one clear lidded container and one clear open container on the windowsill in direct sunlight. Place a thermometer next to the containers.
Place one clear lidded container and one clear open container in indirect sunlight. Place a thermometer next to the containers.
Place one clear lidded container and one clear open container in a closet. Place a thermometer next to the containers.
Place one clear lidded container and one clear open container outside in a low-traffic area, which is also covered as to not have rain water affect the experiment. Place a thermometer next to the containers.
Place one clear lidded container and one clear open container on top of a refrigerator. Place a thermometer next to the containers.
Give examples of some of the locations to place containers, and allow students to choose their own locations.
3. Students will begin with 100 mL of water in the lidded container, and 100 mL of water in the open container. The containers are placed side-by-side with the thermometer in between the containers.
4. Based on grade level, ability, or preference:
a. The teacher will observe experiment(s) with class and record data daily. The teacher will briefly discuss findings with class. (This can be done on chart paper for the entire class, or possible data recording sheets are attached for use on document cameras.)
b. Students will observe experiment(s) and record data daily. (Possible data recording sheets attached.)
4. The teacher will draw class in, periodically, to discuss findings to date.
MATH:
1. Halfway through experiments, the teacher will have students determine the mathematical difference in mL from the beginning of the project to date. The teacher will ask students to predict the number of mL that will be left at the end of the project, using their knowledge of doubles and halves.
2. At the end of the experiments, students will transfer data collected into bar graphs.
3. Students will answer questions, based on the bar graphs students created. (Possible questions are attached.)
4. Students will work in small groups or pairs to create application/word problems to show their findings.
Assessment Strategies
Possible assessments:
Daily checklists to ensure observations are being completed
Science journal entries
Assess math problems for accuracy
Rubric for student-designed word problems
Acceleration:
Students may journal daily or weekly to log what they're seeing and why they believe they're seeing it.
Students may visit NASA's Earth Observatory website to observe a water vapor map. Students may predict/determine whether or not water vapor can be linked to the experiments they have been performing.
Students may be placed in heterogeneous groups, in which more-capable peers may help less-capable peers.
Teachers may collect data and record it whole-group, but allow students to reproduce that work individually or in pairs.
View the Special Education resources for
instructional guidance in providing modifications and adaptations
for students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the Alabama Alternate Assessment.