Elementary Science Methods II

This week in lab we deepened our understanding of convection cells and used that to create different plate boundaries. We began by reviewing that primary waves cannot go through solid objects and Earth’s layers consist of the crust, mantle, and core. We then shared our videos and discussed convection. This led into our activity where we created different plate boundaries using whipped cream, graham crackers, and rice cakes. First, we created a divergent boundary where two plates are pulled apart. Then, we created a transform boundary where two plates slide past each other. Lastly, we created convergent boundaries where one plate dove under the other and where two plates collided. I have pictures below of our work for each. This was a fun, helpful activity that I would use in my future classroom to help visualize these processes.  How does the movement of tectonic plates impact Earth over millions of years?  Discussion Notes: Oct 30 Discussion Earthquake Questions  What ca...

  This week in lab, we learned about volcanoes and earthquakes. We began by writing our own understandings and questions about each on a white board. We then shared our ideas with our table and worked collaboratively to predict where we think volcanoes and earthquakes occur. Once we drew our predictions, we used the earthquakes and volcano discovery website to locate and learn more about earthquakes and volcanoes that have occurred around the world. We then added 10 of each to our map. I found it interesting that our predictions matched our results: earthquakes and volcanoes are related and often occur on the coastlines. Lastly, we researched composite volcanoes as a group and learned about cinder cones and shield volcanoes from other groups. I learned that composite volcanoes often explode out of their sides, cinder cones are the most thought-of example as they explode out the top, and shield volcanoes slowly flow with sloping sides. I have photos of our completed map and research...

  This week in lab, we explored rocks and fossils. However, we began by discussing the sweater article and the importance of inquiry-based learning. We then moved into our activity exploring different types of sand and fossils under the microscope. I have my notes and photos attached below. We ended lab by taking a field trip to Macbride Hall and exploring the museum. We noted the different fossils that we found today in relation to Iowa’s history.  Rocks: All different colors (orange, gold, green), Different sizes, Different shapes, Smooth, Shiny.  Smaller similar sizes, smaller than 1, similar shapes different warm colors (orange, red, yellow), dry texture: Desert  Bigger pieces, Similar sizes, Different shapes, Black color with some gold and red spots, Sharp edges, Dull: Volcano  Primarily small pieces some large, varying shapes, shiny, white/clear colors: Ocean Multicolored (red, white, orange, black), varying shapes and sizes, shiny: River  11: White, ...