Solids, Liquids And Gases
What is a solid, liquid and gas? This was the question posed to our Year 3’s in our first Science lesson in Term 3. But… instead of telling the students, they set about discovering it for themselves. In groups, students were supplied with a plastic bottle of water, a plastic bottle of ice and a plastic bottle of air. Together a discussion was held on which material is a solid, liquid and gas and why.
Roll on lesson 3! Gases are invisible! Now this lesson took our Year 3’s by surprise! In pairs, students were given a plastic bottle filled with vinegar and a balloon filled with bicarbonate of soda. Instructions were given to place the balloon at an angle on the plastic bottles and then to lift the balloon and observe what happened. But first students had to make a prediction. With zero faith in their teacher, most students predicated an explosion! On the count of 3, students then lifted their balloons and voila… no explosion!
Faces of students caught completely by surprise… priceless!!
Then it was time to learn about the velocity of different liquids. In groups of four, students were supplied with 4 plastic bottles containing different liquids – shampoo, water, oil and syrup. The task was to turn the bottles upside down and observe what happened to the liquid in each bottle. Groups then took turns explaining the velocity of each liquid.
The skills-based Science lessons this term have been interactive, hands-on, collaborative and most importantly – fun! Students are not only learning new concepts but are also learning to work with one another by investigating, making predictions and talking about their observations.
Thank you for always being such enthusiastic young scientists, Year 3!
Mandy Goch
Year 3 Teacher
