Science can be a bit of a brain-twister for some students, because some of the concepts can be rather abstract. To cement the concepts of physical science, it's a good idea to plan some activities that get students involved with the project and working with their hands.
Atomic Model
Building an atomic model can teach students calculate protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom. It also will teach them read the periodic table and solidify the concept of atoms in their mind by allowing them to model one on their own.
Have them choose an element above No. 11 (sodium) on the periodic table to assure more than three energy levels and then construct the nucleus with a Styrofoam ball, attaching pompoms as protons and neutrons. They can then use pipe cleaners, craft wire or craft rings to create the electrons' orbit around the nucleus. The electrons can be beads, pompoms or play dough. Students also can turn them into mobiles that can be hung around the room.
Newton's Third Law
Newton's laws are a good way to get students involved, because they have real-world applications. Newton's third law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, and there are many activities to illustrate this concept, but one sure to win the students' interest is partnered roller-blade racing.
The basic premise is that two students wearing roller blades race each other down the hallway. However, the students are not allowed to apply force to move forward and cannot stop themselves. Instead, each racer has a partner who acts as his source of energy and his brakes. This will illustrate how the students' actions of pushing and stopping their classmates is an action, and the rolling of the skates and stopping of the students is a reaction.
Paper Planes
Have students make paper planes, encouraging them to create their own unique designs. Have them stand at a marked throwing point, then throw their planes and measure how far they flew. This will illustrate how speed and distance correlate. It also will illustrate the forces involved in flight, such as lift and drag.
Tags: will illustrate, also will, Have them, periodic table, protons neutrons, students involved
