Summary of Fall 2011 — Hacket Middle School — 6th Grade Science
Categories: Louis Gutierrez
Science Projects:
Cell Models
Purpose: To apply lessons learned regarding the parts of Animal and Plant Cells.
Requirements: Students could choose to build a model of either a plant or animal cell. All parts of the cell must be labeled correctly and resemble the traditional models of plant and animal cells(colors and proximity of parts). Students can use any medium they choose(clay, glue, glitter and other materials were made available)
Time: mainly completed at home or after class
Some highlights: One student used a Cantaloupe to model an Animal Cell. Other great models included a cake for a plant cell, and cookies for animal cells.
Notes: Liz and I spent a few days after school working with students in the class. This type of learning really engaged the tactile learners, and much to our surprise, even some of the lower preforming students showed up after school to play with playdo.
Science Experiments:
Punnetts Square
Purpose: To learn about about the diagram that is used to predict the outcome of crossbreeding.
Background: Two silly monsters have a child, the male has a horn, while the female has polka dots. The horn is a dominant trait.
Requirements: Students take small pieces of papers containing genetic information of the silly monsters(horn, polka dots). They draw the papers at random and record their data in a Punnett’s Square.
Time: During Class
Some highlights: The comical-cartoonish appearance of the silly monsters helped to make the project enjoyable.
Notes: Students were able to learn about probability as well as Punnett’s Square.
Seed Project
Purpose: To learn about plants and the Scientific Methodology.
Background: Students have a few seeds. They are required to make a hypothesis as to which environmental conditions would make the seeds grow fastest(i.e. Sunlight, water). Then are to put a few seeds in the ideal environment, and a few in an unideal environment(in a closet without sunlight) and then record the progress of each.
Time: During Class
Some highlights: The project helped students to think and come to their own conclusions and hypotheses.
Notes: A few students typically not interested in class were exited by this experiement.
Triple Beam Balance
Purpose: To learn how to measure mass using the triple beam balance.
Background: Objects of various weights and a triple beam balance are given to students
Requirements: Students measure the mass of each object and record the data.
Time: During Class
Some highlights: Students struggled with decimals which led to an impromptu lesson on the topic.
Notes:
Measuring Volume
Purpose: To learn how to measure the volume of objects.
Background: Students are given objects—such as rocks and cubes—and a graduated cylinder with water.
Requirements: Students should drop the objects into the graduate cylinder and record the volume of the objects by observing the displacement of water.
Time: During Class
Some highlights: Students enjoyed splashing objects into water.
Notes:
Brainstorming Sessions and Class Discussions:
Can Scientist be heroes?
We discussed several famous Scientists that have made huge contributions to the world. The discussion opened up many students to talk about their heroes, and their aspirations for the future.
What Environmental Sensor would you build?
We discussed environmental sensors(a component of my research), and what data they would measure if they could build a sensor for it.
Ruggedized Netbooks
Two sessions using the PSDN software Skateboarder.
Some highlights: Students enjoyed absolutely loved working with the ruggedized notebooks, and learning about coordinate geometry. Each session began with a lesson about the X and Y graph, and how to manipulate the skater. After a few minutes a few students become more proficient at the software than me!
