I attempted with my entire soul to make a density tower and then decant each layer off – I hope I get another opportunity to try this example!! While I have created density towers en masse in the past through work, the decantation half of the presentation proved much harder than anticipated – even with practice!
I began this lesson doing a theoretical talk about decantation, showing a picture of what it is, explaining why it works, etc., then transitioned to all of the students gathered around a desk. I poured each liquid into the graduated cylinder and explained why I poured each layer slowly instead of quickly and why I chose that order – density!
As I began pouring the layers off one by one they began to mix. Isopropyl alcohol and water are soluble, as water and dish soap are as well – leading to a discussion about how trial-and-error in science is OKAY! The scientific process allows for repeated attempts. Many of the layers were unrecognizable in the plastic cup I poured them into. Should I have the opportunity to re-do this, I would use a solid (like gravel/dirt) and water, pouring off the water which is unquestionably easier than separating liquids with 30 sets of eyes watching! Practice and confidence go hand-in-hand.
My biggest takeaway is IT IS OKAY TO MAKE MISTAKES! I want to be confident and hold my mistakes as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.
Core Competencies: Critical Thinking
Facet: They reflect on and assess their experiences, thinking, learning processes, work, and progress in relation to their purposes.
Profile: I can ask questions, make predictions, and use my senses to gather information.
First Peoples Principles of Learning: Learning involves patience and time.
Big Ideas:
- Solutions are homogenous (5)
- Everyday materials are often mixtures (6)
Curricular Competencies:
- Observe, measure, and record data, using appropriate tools. (5&6)
Content:
- solutions and solubility (5)
- mixtures: separated using a difference in component properties (6)
