I introduce my science students to the concept of vacuums and air pressure when we study the Earth's atmosphere. Part of the unit should include "real" demonstrations about how air pressure and vacuums affect different objects.
I teach 6th grade Earth, Planetary & Environmental Science at a national Blue Ribbon award -winning and California Distinguished middle school in Walnut Creek, CA.
100% of my students are curious and 90%+ are on the college track; YEAH!
This is why "real" lab and field experience is critical to fuel their inquisitive nature.
The students view a movie, "Naked science:The Atmosphere" and we discuss the importance of Kittenger's jump from the stratoshphere in the 1960's followed by an even higher jump mentored by Kittenger 50 years later "Redbull Space Dive"last year.
Understanding the atmosphere is also crucial to understanding anthropogenic impacts on it and the overall climate of Earth.
My Project
Students will observe pressure conditions in each of the Earth's atmospheric layers:troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere thermosphere (ionosphere) and exosphere using balloons, marshmallows, and thermometers and water's boiling point.
These observations will lead into further studies in the physical sciences.
I pride my teaching skill set and pedogogy on having appropriate "realia" and 'real-world' labs with great content exploration and discovery; while engaging the students in thoughtful and articulated class discussions.
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