Really creative lessons that stuck

[Melquiades]

hey all! I'm a stanford undergrad researching on "sticky" lesson plans, or creative ways that teachers teach topics that really stick with the kids. I remember many winners (which undeniably helped get me where I am now) and would like to hear about others (in order to test certain theory about ideas that stick).

don't be bashful now!:D

[Unregistered]

I'm a stanford undergrad researching on "sticky" lesson plans, or creative ways that teachers teach topics that really stick with the kids. I remember many winners (which undeniably helped get me where I am now) and would like to hear about others (in order to test certain theory about ideas that stick).

Just one question. Huh?

[Unregistered]

I teach middle school science, so lots of my lessons are fun. The stickiest are:
1. Role play of atomic structure, and later of bonding. Chairs are the neutrons, girls are protons, and the boys are electrons. I have had high school teachers comment on the fact that students who had me for middle school remembered atomic structure.
2. Paper plate cells.
3. Create a 'Rube Goldberg' machine using a minimum of 6 simple machines.
Index card race cars. Students have to build a race car capable of carrying a pink eraser down an incline using ONLY 2 index cards and a straw.
4. Make white light from the primary light colors. I use flashlights with cellophane over them.
5. The kids this year liked my new one - a problem of the week. They had to use the 'new' learning to solve a problem posed. They had to write a minimum of 2 paragraphs to explain their solution. At the begining of 2nd semester I went to projects instead, and they have been asking for the POW.
I hpoe this helps.
Carol

[Unregistered]

I LOVE your idea for teaching atomic structure. Brilliant!