Seeing is Believing

On Density Day, Middle School math and science teachers collaborated to challenge 6^th grade students to explore of the mathematics of ratios and rates through hands-on science activities. The goal of the integrated STEM unit was to reinforce the skills and concepts of both math and science.

 

Each activity for Density Day had one of these three goals for the students: (1) make a predication about sinking and floating based on density, (2) apply understanding of density to liquids, (3) modify the density of an object by changing either mass or volume.

The way the unit played out with students proves that "seeing is believing” says Middle School Science Teacher Kate Bueno. The idea was to help “students make stronger, experiential memories that they can tap into later, whether on a test or in a real-life situation,” she explains.

 

The various lab experiments required students to follow the scientific process, make observations, predictions, and craft hypotheses. One such experiment called “Density Tower” instructed students to combine canola oil, water, and dish soap into a test tube. The 6th graders compared the densities of the liquids by observing the liquids settling out. As water slipped past the canola oil to settle on top of the dish soap, students stared in amazement. “Whoa that’s so cool!” they said as they continued the experiment. Their next step was to drop items into the test tube to observe the density of the solid objects against the liquids. The experiment required students to find two different densities (both ratios) and see that one density causes the object to float while the other causes it to sink. In this context “the mathematical comparison is no longer abstract and has a meaningful interpretation,” observes Middle School Math Teacher Lee Bissett.

 

STEM lessons challenge teachers as well as students. Charged with finding engaging lessons that meet their goals of math and science at the right level of difficulty, teachers are careful to design activities that are clear in reaching a desired objective.

 

“Anytime students are engaged and having fun with learning, the learning is more meaningful— it sticks better and creates positive associations,” Kate says. And, when the students retain more of what they learn through these experiences, they gain greater confidence and competency in math and science. “The single biggest advantage we found was in the conceptual understandings that students developed,” Lee Bissett adds. When he heard students say things like, “Of course it has to sink: since its mass is bigger than its volume, the density is greater than one,” Lee knew that the connections they were making between the mathematical skills and the science concepts reinforced their understanding of both.

These experiments, and many others, will be on display during STEMFest this Saturday, March 7, 10:00am-12:00pm. See you there!