Blog Post Week 13

 





1. This week in lab, we learned more about matter, properties, and density. Our group discussed how matter is anything that takes up space and properties are characteristics of matter. One of these properties is density. We continued to learn more about this through an M&M investigation. It was similar to the activity that we did in the previous week but instead we had a control group, a group with hot water, and groups with either sugar or salt water. We found that the color of M&Ms will spread out the fastest in hot water and the slowest in sugar and salt water. I learned that the color will spread out the fastest in hot water because the increase of temperature increases the amount of energy and causes the molecules to move quicker. I learned that the color will spread more slowly in sugar and salt water because these particles can get in the way and act as a roadblock. 
4. I can apply what I have learned in lab to my teaching in the future. I would like to use this same activity when learning about these concepts with students. I found this activity a more simple way to learn how density works and also how different particles will interfere with each other. I also think this activity is more memorable for students. Along with this, I think it will be beneficial to allow students to use exploration to create a deeper understanding of these topics. 
5. In this experiment, are the M&Ms melting? If not, how can we explain this to students?
How does density affect how fast the color of the M&Ms will spread out?
Why do the different colored M&Ms not mix together?

Comments

  1. Ali CraigApril 23, 2023 at 7:18 PM

    Hi Abby, this is a great post! I agree that this would a memorable and really beneficial lesson to use with students when covering these topics of density, matter, and properties. After this experiment I would guide students to arrive to the conclusion that the dye spreads faster because the molecules move faster in hotter water, as we can see when we boil water.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lexi MooreMay 4, 2023 at 6:18 AM

    Hi Abby, I agree that students would love this lesson and take it with them through their school experience. I like how you spoke on helping your students understand the conclusion on a different level.

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