Jan. 18th: Bubble-ology

To start off class we observed a two-liter bottle filled with an unknown substance and made predictions of what we thought it was. The substance was a liquid, clear, and had some bubbles floating around. Next, we had to place our hands in the substance and “pull”. With much hesitation, we put our hands down into the bottles and discovered something. After “pulling”, cubes that were jell-o like were pulled out. From this experiment we compared it to teaching science and how you never know what to expect, but must be willing to try.

  Another experiment we tried out to use in our future classrooms was bubble-ology. Bubble-ology is made up of different stations that involve different tasks of creating and learning about bubbles. The stations were: bubble library, natural bubbles, bubbles eating bubbles, bubble stands, Bernoulli and bubbles, measuring bubbles, geometric bubbles, giant bubbles, and dancing bubbles. Not only did these experiments teach science, but also social studies, math, and art connections. To take notes of the stations, we made flipbooks. To make a flipbook, you fold a piece of paper hot dog style and then make nine cuts so that you have ten flaps. On each flap you write each station and then on the inside you describe what you did and/or draw a picture. The flipbook is a fun way for students to take notes and easy to do.

One last experiment we tried out involved us going outside to collect snow. After forming groups we headed outside to scoop up some snow into plastic cups. Then, we placed a piece of masking tape on the outside of the cup where the snow leveled off. On the piece of tape we also wrote the names of everyone in our group. Next, we took a second piece of tape and placed it where we thought the snow would melt to. This experiment allows the student to get up and move by going outside. Then they get to make observations and predictions. This is a simple experiment that can lead to further investigation of precipitation, evaporation, and such.

A fun project that you can do with your students to get to know them is to create Me bags/boxes. To make a Me bag/box, you collect objects that represent yourself and then you share with the class. These objects tell a lot about the student and can help them feel more comfortable in the classroom. Plus the students also learn quite a bit about their fellow classmates.

In conclusion, all of these experiments and techniques can be used easily in the classroom and across the curriculum. They incorporate different techniques that help manage your classroom while teaching multiple subjects and learning about your students.