Multiple Purposes Multiple Grades

The activity in this article addresses different concepts at different grades. For the third graders they learn about making inferences and the need for multiple trials. For the upper elem... See More

The activity in this article addresses different concepts at different grades. For the third graders they learn about making inferences and the need for multiple trials. For the upper elementary students this activity reinforces what third graders learn. It also extends the idea of the advantages and disadvantages of using models as well as understanding how scientists made inferences about the atom without having advanced tools. This activity should be done at both levels to help students make the connection.

Mystery Lab on Atomic Structure

I like the general idea of this lesson. However, I am not sure how you prevent kids from “peeking” under the cardboard to physically see the shape of the blocks. I am also not sure if youn... See More

I like the general idea of this lesson. However, I am not sure how you prevent kids from “peeking” under the cardboard to physically see the shape of the blocks. I am also not sure if younger students would be capable of understanding how the trajectory is affected by the shape or angle of the block it is hitting. I would consider using a closed system – something the students could not peek into – and having them predict the shapes inside by listening to the sounds and feeling the vibrations the ball makes inside as it moves against the shape.