September 23, 2008

Today, we talked and did an activity about acidity of vinegar, water, and fruit. The activity we did was called the Acid Test. It taught us that baking soda and acid react to form carbon dioxide, and that baking soda can be used as an indicator of the presence of acid. We then performed the acid/baking soda reaction in a closed system and observed the volume of gas formed by the reaction. We first tested how much acidity was in vinegar and found that vinegar is 100% acidic. We then tested how much acidity was in water, which is 0%. We then tested how much acidity was in a 50-50 mix of water and acid, which is 50% acidic. We then tested how much acidity was in a lime and lemon, which both are 100% acidic. We then tested an orange's acidity which was at 23%. We then tested a grapefruit's acidity which was at 27% acidity. We found out that the more acidic a substance is the more carbon dioxide reaction there is when mixed with baking soda.

September 18, 2008

Today in class, we talked about Health and Nutrition. We did an internet activity that taught us how to pick healthy and nutritious food and drinks. We also did an activity where we had to figure out the different components of food and what would be a healthy lunch. We then discussed how important it is for teachers to teach to teach their students about Health and Nutrition.

September 16, 2008

Today, we talked about new ways of thinking about scientific content and scientific processes, and new ways of thinking about what it means to be proficient in science. We also discussed the four learning strands: understanding scientific explanations, generating scientific evidence, reflecting on scientific knowledge, and participating productively in science.

Also we made a game called "The Safety Game". We created the game as a way to be able to teach students the proper safety procedures and methods in a classroom. We discussed how important it is for students to stay safe and know all the proper ways to deal with certain situations.

September 11, 2008

Today in class, we discussed the importance of teaching science well to our students. We also discussed the different reasons to teach science well. Also, we discussed the new paradigm, what scientists really do, and the language that is used in science. Also we went into depth what a hypotheses and a theory are. We went into depth about conflicting definitions and thinking like a scientist.

ELED 320 September 9, 2008

In K-8 Science Methods today, we did two activities. The first activity we did was called "Temperature Probe Response Time". During this activity, we investigated the response time of the EasyTemp temperature probe and learned more about the EasyData Program. Also we used a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator and an EasyTemp Probe to measure temperature, we set up the senar for different units of measure, and changed the time graph data collection parameters.
The other activity we did (but did not get to) was "A Hot Hand". This activity showed us how to use the Vernier EasyTemp temperature probe and the Vernier EasyData application. We learned how to use a Vernier EasyTemp probe to measure temperature, calculate temperature averages, and we compared the results.