Module: Materials Science/Engineering and Nanotechnology



Module: Materials Science/Engineering and Nanotechnology

Topic: materials introduction

Benchmark/Lesson: all benchmark in Nature of Matter

Lesson 1: Wonders of a Small Small Small World

Objective

The objective of this lesson is to present basic atomic theory to students in third through fifth grade and apply it to understand why some of the materials that are seen around us behave the way they do. A power point presentation has been prepared to fulfill this objective. Students will also participate in a hands-on activity aimed at demonstrating some physical properties of materials. While 3rd and 4th graders will build a molecule using fruit and wooden skewers (figure 2), 5th graders will build a body centered crystal structure (shown in figure 3).

Lesson Background

Have you ever wondered what an atom is, or why we can’t see atoms with the naked eye? How about the composition of an atom? Material scientists and physicists have been researching these questions and are still researching with the purpose of uncovering the mysteries of the extremely small world of elementary particles.

Math Skills

Distance and angle measurement.

Science Skills

Observing

Investigating

Recording

Materials ( per student)

1 Paper cup

1 Zip-lock baggie filled with water

2 empty zip-lock bags

1 Pencil

1 solid object such as a rock or a ball

Engaging Question

1. What is the difference between mass and weight?

2. Can a solid become a liquid? Can a liquid become a gas?

Student Pre-lab Activity

See Attached Pre-lab Activity Sheet ( Definitions)

Procedure

Have each group prepare each demonstration, but lead them through the activity by doing it with them in front of the class.

1. Hold up a zip-lock bag containing the solid (rock, ball, etc.)

➢ Introduce term "solid" Take it out. Ask children to feel it, look at it, etc.

➢ Does it take up space? Does it have weight? Does it keep its shape? Ask for other examples of solids, other properties of solids suggested by children.

2. Record on chart or board.

3. Hold up baggie with water. Introduce "liquid". Pass it around.

➢ Does it take up space? Can you see it? Does it have weight?

➢ Does it keep its shape?

4. Pour water into cup so children can see that the liquid takes the shape of its container.

5. List other liquids, discuss their properties.

6. Record on chart or board.

7. Blow air into third, empty baggie.

➢ Introduce “gas.” What's in the baggie? Does it take up space? Does it have weight? (Accept the answer"no".)

➢ Does it keep its shape? (Let air out of the bag and ask children where it went.)

8. Discuss other properties, other gases, if any, that children may know the names of. Let them inhale and see how lungs expand like a balloon.

9. Review from board or chart properties of solids, liquids, gases.

Post Lab Activity

See Attached Post-lab Activity Sheet

Drawing Conclusions/Discussion Questions

1. Discuss observations recorded on the bored.

Extended Activity

1. Have students write a short essay explaining the difference between solid, liquid and gases.

Interdisciplinary Activites

1. Have students write a short essay explaining the difference between solid, liquid and gases.

Suggested Sources/Websites

Student Experiment Packet

Pre-lab Activity - Star Wars Video

Experiment

Hypothesis

Materials

Procedure

Drawing Conclusions/Discussion Questions

Post-lab Activity – Written Report/Presentation

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