SCP at Oliver Middle = Scientist in the Classroom Program = VANDERBILT UNIV. = CENTER FOR SCIENCE OU
- Aug 8, 2018
- 2 min read
Dr. Brandon Carney, Ph.D. spent the day with our scholars in the making.
His specialty is Chemistry- Radioactivity (Research for Cancer Patients).
Another new day for learning was achieved. How? Let me tell you.
We introduced Shrink'Em with all the grades to further engrain the concept of STEAM in their brain -- yes, they must be awakened after 2 months of vacation!!!! LOL!!!
The concepts introduced were molecular structures, polymers, bonds, monomers.
A brief introduction on how plastics interact in the real world was given. For example, how we can use plastic in a positive way? By creating opportunities to recycle the plastic to diminish its damaging imprint on the planet.
The concept of EDP = Engineering Design Process was introduced. The students had to draw and trace a design on a film (polymer #6) to be used.
We asked many questions to the students.
What will be used to do the experiment? Many answered a microwave. Others responded - a toaster oven.
Then we asked, how will we heat the polymer?
We turned on the oven and they realized the temperature to be used was 350 degrees F -- then we spoke about the differences between Farenheit and Celsius.
Then we asked, what will happen to the polymer if we put it inside the oven?
Answers: melt, burn, disappear, explosion, broken pieces and shrinking.
Students confirmed they understood the main goals of the experiment...
Which is: same size before is the same size after -- in terms of the design or words on the plastic.
At the end, we all realized learning is also fun.
We made key chains!!!
As a teacher I am simply in awe how receptive the students are when we just share our passion to educate and allow the students to discover their capabilities, thus fulfill their curiosity.
We continue... Join us!!!
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