One particularly funny moment was when we realized that a bar magnet held up to a container of iron filings looked like a mustache. So, we had an impromptu photo shoot.
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| ... but I'll shave it for later. |
Monday, November 19, 2012
step into my classroom: magnetic mustaches
This week in sixth grade science we have been learning about magnetism. Each day after we got through our lesson, I gave the students time to interact with some very strong magnets and various metal components such as washers, nuts, bolts, and ball bearings. It was so fun for me to watch my students demonstrate and further their understanding of magnetism through this free play. As I walked around the room I heard them using vocabulary words such as attract and repel, and as I watched I saw them used their knowledge of these forces to manipulate the metal objects in a variety of ways. Metal washers darted to and fro as if by magic, a magnetic menagerie of animals paraded across the desks, and some students even rigged up a game of "air hockey" using forces of repulsion!
One particularly funny moment was when we realized that a bar magnet held up to a container of iron filings looked like a mustache. So, we had an impromptu photo shoot.
One particularly funny moment was when we realized that a bar magnet held up to a container of iron filings looked like a mustache. So, we had an impromptu photo shoot.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
step into my classroom: gummy bear DNA
This week my seventh graders began the big genetics unit. Between now and the end of the quarter we will cover everything from DNA to cell division to heredity to genetic engineering... it's probably the life science unit that I enjoy the most!
We always begin the whole shebang in a sweet way, using gummies and toothpicks to make DNA models. In our simulation, the four colors of gummy bears represented the four bases Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine. The little licorice whips formed the sugar phosphate backbone of the double helix, and we held it all together with toothpicks! Next we use the models to walk through the process of DNA replication, in which the DNA strand copies itself. This is the first step in cell division.
Ok, I won't bore you with any more nerdy science talk. You and I both know you're just here for the pictures.
A special thanks to my dear friend Megan, who gave up her prep period to take these pictures for me!
We always begin the whole shebang in a sweet way, using gummies and toothpicks to make DNA models. In our simulation, the four colors of gummy bears represented the four bases Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine. The little licorice whips formed the sugar phosphate backbone of the double helix, and we held it all together with toothpicks! Next we use the models to walk through the process of DNA replication, in which the DNA strand copies itself. This is the first step in cell division.
Ok, I won't bore you with any more nerdy science talk. You and I both know you're just here for the pictures.
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| Word, yo. Science is hip. |
A special thanks to my dear friend Megan, who gave up her prep period to take these pictures for me!
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