I wanted to make my power point presentation an interactive and fun activity that would allow the kids to practice categorizing elements, compounds, and mixtures. We have been talking about properties of matter for a while and we are now starting to get into the meat of Chemistry with an introduction to how matter is classified. Soon we will explore elements and compounds in more depth.
Using the power point, we had a class discussion to introduce the topic. We went through the first few slides together. Each lab table was then given a set of large 4×6 index cards that are multicolored, each index card was two-toned, green on the front, red on the back, and blue on the front, and yellow on the back. The “E” stood for element, “C” for compound, “M” for mixture, and “?” for if they were not sure and could not decide. Groups of 3-4 worked well for this activity. I gave the index cards to two students in each group and they were in charge of holding the card up to show their answer.
I showed the first picture, and as a group, they had to decide if the item shown was made of an element, compound, or mixture. Once they decided on an answer, they were to hold up the corresponding card. Once everyone picked an answer, I revealed the correct answer and discussed why that item was an element, compound, or mixture. We didn’t keep score, but they were happy if they got an answer correct. The kids were very engaged and it was a simple way to make a power point presentation a little more interactive. We would then write down the answer into their notes under the corresponding column so they can see how the items are categorized.
After the ppt, we did the concept map together. I broke it into 1-2 minute chunks of time where they had to determine what went on the first level, then we would go over the answer. Another 1-2 minutes to decide what went on the second level, then discussed the answer, and so forth down the line until all the words were used from the word bank. This was a good closure activity to process the information from their notes and the activity.
Handouts/Resources:
Liz — thank for you being so generous with your materials. I visit your website (and now your blog) regularly. I have used so many of your materials with my 7th grade students. I know that the activities will always work and that they are really classroom tested. I am amazed at what you cover with your 5th grade students.
Carolyn, I am so glad that you are able to use these lessons, its great to know that they work successfully in classrooms other than my own. I appreciate the feedback. I try to use a wide variety of techniques, so each lesson targets different learning styles and methods. Science is so different than their other subject classes and the kids are always willing to try something new. Being in a private school, I have more flexibility with how long I can cover a topic, and we can really go in depth and take the time we need to cover a topic. We stretch our program out over 4 years, and by the end of 8th grade, we have not only covered a wide variety of topics, but really dug deep into them as well.
Liz – you totally ROCK – in your willingness to share your work, in your posting to the blog so we can see how to implement in our classrooms, and that you respond to questions. I, too, am amazed at the fact that you teach this in 5th grade; I use your work in 7th grade! Can I ask for one thing – if it’s possible and/or something you’re willing to do? Can you post answer sheets for us inexperienced teachers? Thanks, so much!
Sharon- thanks so much for letting me know that the blog is helpful. Sorry, I don’t post any answer keys, to be honest, I just don’t have the time to go through everything and post answers and double the amount of documents that I upload to my server. I also don’t want students googling for the answers. =)
I totally understand. I black out your info on all papers that go to my students (but leave on for all sharing with others) precisely for that reason. As far as answers, I often look at your pics to see if I can get what I need.
Thanks again, for eveyrthing you do. It’s making me a better teacher and I appreciate it.
1.How did you use to setup this website? I need to set one up as soon as possible.
2. Your interactive note book has pre cut lines, how did you do that?
3. When you create your int. n.b. pages, do you use word or powerpoint?
Hi, for this website I use wordpress.com which allows you to have a free blog account. Its very easy to use. For the pages that have pre-cut lines, I added lines using the tool bar and then selected dashed lines instead of solid lines. To create my worksheet pages, I use Microsoft Publisher, which allows more freedom than Microsoft Word with creating documents to look like exactly I want them to. I hope that helps.
hi
thanks alot for the material you publish here.
it helps me A LOT:)
may god bless you always
thank you so much, glad to hear that the blog is helpful, enjoy the rest of the year
Liz – Thank you for sharing your lesson on line. I want you to know that I have adapted one or two of your strategies in this lesson in mixture. I hope it is okey with you. Thanks again.
Liz – you are awesome!!!! I have three different science preps this year. I am still trying to get in the swing of things b/c we started school about 2 weeks ago. Your lessons help me get my ideas organized & save me so much time. Thanks so much!
Best of luck to you this year, glad the site has been helpful!
Just wanted to say thanks so much for posting your information. I was helping my 7th grade daughter with a science homework assignment and came upon your site. She didn’t get home with her notes from class and your notes were a perfect replacement for what she needed to complete the assignment.
No problem!
Your material has rejuvenated our science lessons at my school. Thank you for sharing all you do. How long have you been teaching science and do you change up your plans every year so the kids next year won’t have access to all your lessons?
With great appreciation,
Kerstin
Hi Kerstin,
Thanks for the feedback! I have been in the classroom for 11 years and keep all my plans posted, so if the kids wanted to look at any of them, they are able to. The kids know my lesson plans for each week ahead of time and it hasn’t really been an issue so far. Thanks! Liz
thanks you so much. I am very happy because your PP can help my class to understand that chapter
Thank you so much for this activity! I teach an Applied Chemistry class for high school and my kids are going to love this activity!