A neat way to help students internalize a cubic centimeter is to make paper cubic centimeters, aka Groovy Cubes. All my classes made them this week and we strung them together on thread. I’ll hang them up tomorrow in the classroom. We also discussed how one cubic centimeter will hold one milliliter of pure water [...]
Philippine-American Life Through a Scientific Lens
Category Archives: Teaching Methods
Burn The Dollar Bill Demonstration
Today I did the burn the dollar bill demonstration with my science classes. I use this as a discrepant event in that what happens is not what one would think happens, and this gets their attention. I also use this as an introduction to a discussion on class safety. Each class tried to name as [...]
A beautiful flower
We are visiting family here in Mindanao, Philippines and I’m amazed by all the colorful flowers that grow almost everywhere. Right outside our fence, along the side of the road, are many different kinds of flowers. One flower in particular caught my interest as it’s very large and brightly colored. This flower has a deep [...]
The Mars Habitat
Every year, I conclude my science classes with the Mars Habitat activity. I started this project about fifteen years ago and have progressively made it larger and with more features. This is a great cooperative activity as it requires the full class to fold and tape the habitats and tunnels. I do this with three [...]
Teaching Density
One of the most important concepts in science is density. To teach this, the student must first understand the difference between the mass and weight of an object. So be sure to teach mass and weight first. I found an easy way to help the students remember this formula using a heart. I have found [...]
Club 91 Part B
My first video dealt with dividing numbers ending with zero, such as 30, 40, 50 etc. See part A below. I will now show you how to divide numbers that do not end in zero. This is the math trick that we use in class to try and beat the calculator. It really gets kids [...]
Top Sixteen Scientists
Today I will give the list of the top sixteen scientists and mathematicians that we are studying in class. I try to pick a variety of different scientists that I think are relevant to the content. A new scientist is introduced every Monday. We still have sixteen to go for the rest of the year [...]
Top scientists and mathematicians writing assignment
Background Information During the school year, I introduce an important scientist or mathematician almost every week. I believe it’s important to study the history of science and math as it puts the science content in perspective. I also try to give an equal amount of male and female scientists so all of my students may [...]
Divide by 91 the Club 91 way – Part A
I use Club 91 as a fun way to sharpen my students’ math skills. If they can beat the calculator, then they can join Club 91. To divide by 91, one must keep in mind that their are two routines to know before you begin. Today, I will show you what to do when the [...]
Mr Smith Welcomes You
Welcome to Mars. Let’s get building as we have a long journey to Mars. I hope to post the design plans for the rocket and the Habitat. Till next time…
