Elephant Toothpaste

I’m back!!!!! After a year and a half hiatus, I am back to updating my blog. I though I would start off my return with a demonstration that I do with my students every year – Elephant Toothpaste. While I haven’t used the proportion of chemical used here, the students still go wild over it. The demo is relatively easy to prep and clean up.

What’s in your water…?

New unit classroom audioletter

Will warmer seas be smellier?

Will warmer seas be smellier?.

Homemade pH Indicator

Some of you asked me about borrowing the pH lab testing equipment in order to test samples of water at home. Did you know that you can test the pH of water and various other substances in the comfort of your own home? The good news is that you do not have to go out and purchase fancy, expensive equipment! 🙂

Here is what you will need to make your homemade pH lab testing kit:

See the video below for a quick explanation on how to begin. Also, I would like for you to think about the following question:
Why do you think it is important for the group to come to a consensus about what items will be individually tested at home?

Acid-Base Activity Exemplar

Turtle Soup!

I saw a policer officer stop traffic to pick up a turtle in the middle of the road and carry it back to the pond on my way to class today. Wish I could’ve taken a picture (although, from what I heard, it’s illegal to take pictures of law enforcement.I could be wrong). What would you do? Would you save the turtle or make turtle soup? Take the poll and feel free to comment if you like!

A Case for Water

We often don’t think twice about drinking a cold glass of water on a hot, summer day. Unfortunately, people in developing nations, as well as our own, are not as lucky! 😦

The videos below depict the water quality conditions across the globe. To learn more about how you can help, please visit: http://www.charitywater.org

What’s In Your Water: Unit Overview

Unit Topic / Theme: Water Quality in Austin, Texas (What’s In Your Water?)

Student Learning Objective(s):   Students will evaluate the quality  of water around Austin through collaborative research investigations using  appropriate water testing equipment with few to no errors.

Rationale How does this information  relate to a teenager’s life? How can a teenager use this information now in  their lives?   Water is a valuable resource on our planet. It constitutes roughly 75% of the Earth’s surface and about 60% of the human body; and we need it to survive. Therefore, it is important that students have an understanding of water, its properties, and how the quality of  water affects life on Earth.  This inquiry activity will help students during their research on the quality of water in certain areas of Austin. Students will learn how to use informational sites, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) site, which provides information about water tests they can purchase for home use. Students will learn that they can perform these tests to determine the quality of water they utilize on a daily basis. What’s in your water?

How will students be assessed?

• Teacher will observe student-teacher or student-student interactions making sure to guide students when appropriate.
• Student presentations will be assessed by a City of Austin water quality panel (students will receive a copy of the rubric on Day 1)