When attacking ideas and models in chemistry and physics, hands-on/minds-on activities are very important to my 130 8th grade science students. My classes are made up of students ranging from gifted to resource, but they all benefit from experiencing science. Many of my students are from bilingual homes and in the school community about 63% are on the free or reduced lunch program. Being able to do the science and not just read about it or hear about it is important to my students who are often below the reading comprehension level for the text book.
The concept of Density in materials is important for the students to understand. This is not just because of the state standards, but deep understanding of of the ratios of mass to volume is a stepping off point to many other related ideas in chemistry and physics. In the past our Science Department has used various liquids and various blocks of wood cut by the teacher but, the concept of density and various solid materials often eluded the students because there was no way to make the comparison, we just did not have the materials. Many students did not make the connection that density was not just about one material being "heavier" because they did not have the materials to experience the concepts from any other perspective.
To solve this dilemma I would like to have the students experience density from several different perspectives. They need to make comparisons between objects with different mass and different volumes; different mass same volume; different volume with same mass, etc. To be able to do this they will need materials that have these characteristics. The materials that are requested will allow them to make these comparisons with accuracy using various materials that have been selected and standardized to enable the student to visualize and experience the relationships between density, mass and volume.
Through your help, my students will be able to relate the concept of density to more than "heaviness." They will be able to make measurements and comparisons that will help them understand that density is a property that is specific to an element. They will gain a deep understanding about a concept that will help them in the understanding of other concepts later. Your help will help make my students understand density so they can have their own "Eureka" moment!
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