As a Technology Integrator, I think I can speak more vividly about my own experiences/misconceptions and work from there. Believe it or not, I still remember learning about the states of matter and not fully believing the explanation for that one major anomaly, solid water. How could it be less dense than liquid water? Then I was shown a diagram of water molecules and their arrangement in a solid, but I still was not convinced. If I were to create a T-GEM cycle to convince my younger self of the density of solid water, and the states of matter in general, it would play out as follows:
Generate – Students would interact with a program similar to Chemland called PhET Interactive Simulations by the University of Colorado Boulder [CLICK HERE and choose “States”]. I would ask the students to observe the different atoms/molecules at different states and try applying heat/cold to different states. Afterwards, I would ask students to generate a hypothesis for the arrangement of atoms/molecules at each state and the effects of heat/cold.
Evaluate – Next, I would ask students to take a closer look at the different states of water and compare it to the other atoms/molecules. What is the same? What is different?
Modify – Finally, I would ask students to provide a full explanation on the states of matter and reconcile the anomaly in solid water. As a follow up exercise, I would ask students to suggest a real-life experiment that we could do to test their hypothesis.
If you get the chance, take a quick look at some of the other PhET Interactive Simulations. Note, I had some issues with the simulations that were powered with Java (coffee cup); look for the ones with a red 5 (HTML 5) in the bottom right corner. How do these simulations compare with the Chemland experiments?
Hey Gordon,
I enjoyed reading your post! I too used Phet in my post and I also use it with my learners. It is such an excellent resource. I like how your GEM is set up and it would definitely be understandable for students. Have you used Phet with your class?
Actually, I primarily work with teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms. I was just searching for alternatives to PhET seemed like the most compelling free option. I also found Labster.com but did not have the chance to try it out. I wonder if 3D rendering and VR will eventually over take these 2D simulations.
Hi Gordon
I like the fact that your lesson can be used right away.
I wonder if the rate the water is cooled makes a difference in the density?
A good next step might be to share a handout that you would give to your students.
Christopher
Based on both your comment and Nicole’s, I think that I should have set some actual examples of guided experiments for the Generate phase. I thought that allowing the students to explore on their own would be a good idea, but thinking about it again, Grade 2’s would probably need some guidance for that first section. Including the rate of cooling and rate of heating would have been a good addition to the series of guided experiments.
Hi Gordon,
I have taught states of matter at the primary level (a very basic level) and found that students had a very difficult time grasping the concept because they could not see the molecules. I think your idea of using Phet is a great resource (I also used this in my lesson on division) and I love your idea of students coming up with their own experiments to prove their hypothesis. Far too often, we create the experiments and the students are just passive learners (or observers). Do you think that it would be helpful to start your lesson with an experiment? This might serve as a good guideline during the modify stage and it also might “hook” the students who are not excited about the topic. Just a thought!
Nicole
Good point. In my first stage (Generate), I just got them to observe the different states and what happens when you apply heat/cold. It probably would be better to setup actual experiments to ensure all students are not only “hooked” but also have the same baseline of information. Do you think PhET’s visualizations are more robust than Chemland or are they pretty much the same?