Week 14 Blog - Elementary Science Methods (Addyson Junge)

Week 14 Blog - Elementary Science Methods (Addyson Junge)

May 1, 2025

                                      Figure 1

  1. What did you learn this week?
    • This week, during our lab, we got the option to conduct one of the two phenomena we did during week 11. Our group decided to go more in-depth on the "Melting Ice" lab. We were initially confused as to why the ice melted faster on a metal surface than on a wooden surface. Throughout the lab, we started to gain a better understanding of why the ice melted faster on metal because of the density of particles. We then produced our flip video, for which we had created a layout on a whiteboard (Figure 1). In our lecture, we talked more in-depth about phase changes and why that happens. We continued to look into how temperature affects different atoms/molecules. 
  2. Are you able to relate what you learned to what you already knew?
    • I already knew what melting and boiling points were, yet I never understood how they affected different atoms/molecules. The thing that completely blew my mind was the idea that gases cannot freeze on Earth. It was my 'aha' moment because, for example, if oxygen froze, we would not be able to breathe. Another thing I knew was that Ice is less dense than water, which is why it floats. I can relate what I learned about how important it is that ice floats rather than sinks to what I already knew. 
  3. How can you apply what you've learned to your teaching in the future?
    • Something I have enjoyed about the past few weeks has been the usage of simulations and experiments. From a teacher's point of view, this is a great way for students to think critically, answering the question of "why" this phenomenon happens. The simulations do a great job of simplifying the idea of molecules because they are too small to be seen. Experiments allow students to do hands-on activities, which allow them to explore real-life situations. Because of this effectiveness, I would use both simulations and experiments in my future classroom. 

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