"Closepin Muscles" Mary Kingsly, Science Teacher

"I have a fun method for teaching about muscle fatigue. I give each student a close pin. You want to use closepins that have a decent amount of tension when opening. Each student creates a data table displaying 5 trials and number of times the closepin was opened.

I demonstrate how to completely open the closepin. Students must touch the ends of the closepin together in order to completely open the closepins.

I partner students together. One student opens the closepin and the other student counts the number of times the closepin was opened.

I then instruct one partner to open their closepin as many times as possible in sixty-seconds. We repeat this four times. At the end of each trial, the students record how many times they opened their closepin. When one partner completes all five trials, the partners switch places. We repeat this another five trials for the other partner.

I then have students graph their individual results. We share all of the student's data on the black board and average each trial. I then have students graph the class's data. As a class we discuss the results. It works great as an introductory activity. Students enjoy it!"

"Make A Twister" John Sealis, Science Teacher

"My Physical Science class does a great activity to allow students to get up close and personal with the concept of a tornado. Here is how we make our classroom twisters:

Materials:
Water, Vinegar, 8-10 oz. can/jar with lid (small coffee cans work well.), clear liquid dish soap, and Glitter.

Instructions:

1. Fill the can/jar 2/3 full with water.
2. Place one teaspoon of liquid soap and vinegar in can/jar.
3. Sprinkle in a pinch of glitter.
4. Close the lid of the can/jar and twist to see tornado vortex."

"Animals of the world." Nikki, Elementary Teacher

"One concept that is hard for young children is the geographic location of animals in the wild. I take a map of the world and enlarged it twenty-fold using our school photocopier. After I piece together the map on the board, I add a grid using a meter stick. I grid it out so that the map contains 36 boxes (6 rows, 6 columns). I also cut bright neon note cards to the exact shape of one of the boxes. I then take pictures of various animals and glue them to oversized note cards. Remember that if you laminate everything, you will have for future classes. I add Velcro strips to all materials.

I make certain that I have at least one animal per student. I give each student a note card. I share a story with them about each animal. We then take turns placing the cards on the map as a class. When the class decides where it goes, I have individual students attach the Velcro. I then Velcro the neon note cards to the exact locations of the most prevalent locations of the animal population in the wild. If the class is within 2 boxes of one of the locations, the class receives a point. I then give the class rewards based on their final score.

Students have a really good time with this activity and they tend to hold on to the knowledge."

"Measurement Scavenger Hunt" Wendy, Elementary Teacher

"I kick off my measurement unit by having students doing a scavenger hunt. I pair students together. I give each group the following equipment: a ruler, a meter stick, a thermometer, a measuring cup, and a scale.

I then provide each group with a scavenger hunt list of at list ten measurements. Students scour the room to find out which item/material corresponds to the measurement on their list. Easy items include books, student folders, and chalk. More difficult items include the student chairs, chalkboard height from the floor, and floor tiles.

I found the best thing to do is to provide multiple versions of the scavenger hunt list. Another thing that I learned is that you should make sure to choose measures of items that do not degrade or gain weight. Students have fun with this activity and it really gets them motivated to do the unit."

"Volcano Model" Bob Laflor, Science Teacher

"The model of a volcano is always a big hit with kids. Here is the way I make my model:

Materials Needed: white vinegar (brand names work better), baking soda, single paper plate, funnel, newspaper, water, sand, black/gray/brown paint, paint brush, 2 plastic containers, casting plaster.

Preparing Volcano: Cover the work area with newspaper. Add water to the sand and make a cone shape with the sand. Mix the casting plaster with water and pour it over the sand cone. Smooth out the plaster with a brush. Make a one inch hole in the top of the cone. Allow the plaster to completely dry. Remove the sand from the plaster. Put the dry plaster volcano on the paper plate. Mix more plaster with water and cover all of the edges of the volcano with plaster. Allow the plaster to completely dry. Mix more plaster with water and fill the volcano with the plaster; so that 2 inches remain between the plaster and the top hole of the volcano. Allow the plaster to completely dry. Paint the volcano your desired color. Allow the paint to completely dry.

Activating Volcano: Place the volcano on a dry covered surface. Using the funnel, place a generous amount of baking soda in the top of the volcano. Prepare a mixture of the white vinegar and red food coloring in a container. When you are ready to erupt the volcano, add this mixture to the baking soda and stand back.