Week 1: Year 7 in the Science Lab @ NIS
Success criteria:
1. Identify key parts and function of a microscope
2. Effectively use a microscope to observe the unseen world
3. Creatively illustrate the front of a postcard with an artistic impression of what you see. Include date, magnification and speciman label.
4. When it is dry write a post card to someone special and share what you have been up to in Science today.
5. Include their address.
6. Give it to Sarah to post.
1. Identify key parts and function of a microscope
2. Effectively use a microscope to observe the unseen world
3. Creatively illustrate the front of a postcard with an artistic impression of what you see. Include date, magnification and speciman label.
4. When it is dry write a post card to someone special and share what you have been up to in Science today.
5. Include their address.
6. Give it to Sarah to post.
Gummy Bears are Absorbent polymers
Did you know that Gummy BEars are made with gelatin, which consists of nature’s most common polymer. A polymer is a compound formed of many molecules strung into long chains. They can be gummy, stretchy, hard, clear, cloudy, etc. Think of all the plastics you see in your daily life (milk jugs, Ziplocs, coat hangers, car bumpers, shampoo bottles, toys, toys, toys…). Polymers like DNA are critical to the human body and the world around us as well. Check out the video below.......is starts to show us some applications of human made absorbent polymers:
We are going to complete a 'Fair test'
Reliability of your investigation matterS!
Fun with Physics- WE HAVE LIFT OFF
Have you ever wondered how a rocket is made? What skills you need to work with rockets? Or even what it would be like to launch your very own rocket into the sky? Well, you don’t need to imagine for much longer.
Humans have had an obsession with flight since the beginning. Things that could fly have been studied with great care until finally flight principles were understood and applied to technologies that we celebrate to this day.
Engineers design scale models of projects to learn and experiment with how they perform. When designing rockets, engineers develop small prototypes to test fuel properties. Does the fuel create enough thrust? Rocket and engine prototypes help engineers discover the balance between weight and thrust that is necessary for space flight
Learning Objectives: After this activity, students should be able to:
Engineers design scale models of projects to learn and experiment with how they perform. When designing rockets, engineers develop small prototypes to test fuel properties. Does the fuel create enough thrust? Rocket and engine prototypes help engineers discover the balance between weight and thrust that is necessary for space flight
Learning Objectives: After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain that pūngao/energy needed for a rocket launch is related to the taumaha/weight of the rocket. Other concepts like friction, ātetenga hau /air resistance, tō ā-papa / gravity, tokiri / thrust all influence the flight pattern of your rocket.
- Collect and analyze evidence on your model rocket launch height, comparing to a design feature of the rocket.
- Describe what factors an engineer must consider when designing a rocket
1. Design and test a Prototype Water bottle rockets
2. Carryout an investigation to test water:air ratio on the distance the rocket flies!
3. Make a a poster or short video of your challenge experience to be in to win a super sweet prize!
Let's Begin! Be as Curious and think like an Engineer!
Imagine.
In the first step of the engineering design process, we figured out the problem we were trying to solve.
The second stage is about imagining some possible solutions to your problem. During the first test flight we learnt how to launch a basic rocket, but how do we make the rocket fly super high?
You might like to ask yourself:
In the first step of the engineering design process, we figured out the problem we were trying to solve.
The second stage is about imagining some possible solutions to your problem. During the first test flight we learnt how to launch a basic rocket, but how do we make the rocket fly super high?
You might like to ask yourself:
- WHAT WILL GENERATE THE THRUST FORCE IN YOUR ROCKET ENGINE?
- How might you decrease or increase this?
- HOW WILL YOUR DESIGN REDUCE AIR RESISTANCE?
- Rockets work better in space than in the Earth's atmosphere, a rocket moves slower because of the surrounding air. This is due to air resistance.
- The weight of a rocket is the force will oppose thrust. A heavier rocket requires more thrust to reach space, which ultimately increases the overall cost of the rocket. Engineers try to find ways to reduce the weight of a rocket by using lightweight materials. However, lighter is not always better. Why?
- HOW WILL YOU NOT MAKE THE WEIGHT OF YOUR ROCKET TOO HEAVY?
- HOW WILL YOU GET IT TO FLY STRAIGHT?
- WHAT ELSE ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT IN YOUR DESIGN?
LET'S GET DESIGN, MAKE and TEST YOUR PROTOTYPE!
What’s a prototype?A prototype is a simple model that lets you test out an idea. Just like an engineer, you can use your prototype to test how your rocket will work and then make changes to improve it.
Before you Launch-you will need to do a rocket stability check- Now that your rockets are all looking awesome, let’s test whether they are stable and aerodynamic enough for lift-off.
Prepare for launch! Let’s send your rocket prototypes on their first mission! When STEM superstars make a rocket prototype, they test it thoroughly to figure out which parts of the rocket work well, and which parts need to be improved.
After the test flights: what modifications might you make before you carry out your investigation?
MĀTAURANGA MĀORI AND SCIENCE- A MANA ŌRITE RELATIONSHIP
Rangi Te Kanawa and John Campbell talk about the breakdown of harakeke. They explain that harakeke has high hemicellulose content, and this compound produces acetic acid when it breaks down. Acetic acid further accelerates the breakdown of the harakeke artefact that produced it, and being prone to vaporise, it can float off and affect other exhibits or stored items. In the museum environment, this is referred to as ‘vinegar syndrome’.
Project Mātauranga
Watch Series 2/Episode 1: The Problem with Harakeke
Project Mātauranga is a television series that investigates Māori world views and methodologies within the scientific community and looks at their practical application. These studies begin to explore how western science and Māori knowledge systems are combining to provide solutions to a variety of challenges.
Because of the cultural significance of harakeke, the research on the collection was done using a kaupapa Māori approach. This meant that the involvement of Māori weavers Kahutoi Te Kanawa, Roka Ngarimu-Cameron, Anna Gorham and Christine Holtham was paramount. The weavers chose which harakeke plants would be studied in detail and assessed the weaving properties of each one. The weavers also worked with their people to make decisions about how the results would be disseminated. Read more about this research in this article, Harakeke under the microscope.
You can explore other examples of Māori world views and methodologies within the scientific community are working together:
Project Mātauranga
Watch Series 2/Episode 1: The Problem with Harakeke
Project Mātauranga is a television series that investigates Māori world views and methodologies within the scientific community and looks at their practical application. These studies begin to explore how western science and Māori knowledge systems are combining to provide solutions to a variety of challenges.
Because of the cultural significance of harakeke, the research on the collection was done using a kaupapa Māori approach. This meant that the involvement of Māori weavers Kahutoi Te Kanawa, Roka Ngarimu-Cameron, Anna Gorham and Christine Holtham was paramount. The weavers chose which harakeke plants would be studied in detail and assessed the weaving properties of each one. The weavers also worked with their people to make decisions about how the results would be disseminated. Read more about this research in this article, Harakeke under the microscope.
You can explore other examples of Māori world views and methodologies within the scientific community are working together:
- Taewa and psyllid resistance
- Reviving toheroa
- Kaitiaki of the Kiwi
- Revitalising Māori astronomy
- Restoration of a wooden pare
- Sea sponges and rongoā
- Insects and forest ecosystems
- Restoring mauri after the Rena disaster
CABBAGE CHEMISTRY- PH, ACID AND BASE.......NEUTRAL TOO
Students learn what acids, bases and indicators are and how they can be used, including invisible ink. They also learn how engineers use acids and bases every day to better our quality of life.
Learning ObjectivesAfter this lesson, students should be able to:
Learning ObjectivesAfter this lesson, students should be able to:
- Hypothesise whether a liquid is an acid or a base.
- Identify whether a liquid is an acid or base based on its colour interaction with cabbage juice.
- Explain how acids and bases were used during the American Revolution to send spy letters.
- Describe how the understanding of acid and bases in everyday life.
Other Plant Indicators you could use are:
- Beets: A very basic solution (high pH) will change the color of beets or beet juice from red to purple.
- Blackberries: Blackberries, black currants, and black raspberries change from red in an acidic environment to blue or violet in a basic environment.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are blue around pH 2.8-3.2, but turn red as the solution becomes even more acidic.
- Cherries: Cherries and their juice are red in an acidic solution, but they turn blue to purple in a basic solution.
- Curry Powder: Curry contains the pigment curcumin, which changes from yellow at pH 7.4 to red at pH 8.6.
- Geranium Petals: Geraniums contain the anthocyanin pelargonidin, which changes from orange-red in an acidic solution to blue in a basic solution.
- Grapes: Red and purple grapes contain multiple anthocyanins. Blue grapes contain a monoglucoside of malvidin, which changes from deep red in an acidic solution to violet in a basic solution.
- Onion: Onions are olfactory indicators. You don't smell onions in strongly basic solutions. Red onion also changes from pale red in an acidic solution to green in a basic solution.
- Purple Peonies: Peonin changes from reddish-purple or magenta in an acidic solution to deep purple in a basic solution.
- Red (Purple) Cabbage: Red cabbage contains a mixture of pigments used to indicate a wide pH range.
- Rose Petals: The oxonium salt of cyanin turns from red to blue in a basic solution.
- Turmeric: This spice contains a yellow pigment, curcumin, which changes from yellow at pH 7.4 to red at pH 8.6.
Acid in your Mouth- so WHAT?
Did you know that your mouth is the site of some very cool chemistry?
That stuff called Dental enamel is the hardest material in the human body. However, it is still possible for teeth to be damaged, for example, through consuming acidic or sugary foods.
How do cavities form? Do you ever wonder why people get cavities, even when they brush their teeth twice a day? Your teeth are pretty hard, but the enamel can be weakened by bacteria, acidic foods and the pressure that comes with chewing. Weakening the enamel can lead to tooth decay, including cavities. We all have some bacteria in our mouths. These bacteria convert foods, such as sugars and starches, into acids.
Together, bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque sticks to surfaces, especially just above your gums, in the dents on your back molars, and on the edges of any fillings you might have. The lactic acid produced by the bacteria in the plaque can slowly dissolve the enamel of your teeth, creating holes. These holes are better known as cavities. Once a cavity forms in your enamel, it can quickly move through the other layers of your tooth. When a cavity reaches your dental nerves, it can cause a lot of pain. OUCH!!!!!
How can you prevent cavities? So why is everyone always telling you to brush your teeth? In part, it’s because of plaque. By brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and really well, you can remove the plaque and stop it from building-up on your teeth. The toothpaste is basic with a pH of about 10 and it will neutralise acid in your mouth. If you can’t brush your teeth, rinse your mouth with water. This will help raise the pH of your mouth closer to a neutral 7 and reduce the acid levels in your mouth. Limiting the amount of sugary foods and acidic drinks you consume will also help.
That stuff called Dental enamel is the hardest material in the human body. However, it is still possible for teeth to be damaged, for example, through consuming acidic or sugary foods.
How do cavities form? Do you ever wonder why people get cavities, even when they brush their teeth twice a day? Your teeth are pretty hard, but the enamel can be weakened by bacteria, acidic foods and the pressure that comes with chewing. Weakening the enamel can lead to tooth decay, including cavities. We all have some bacteria in our mouths. These bacteria convert foods, such as sugars and starches, into acids.
Together, bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque sticks to surfaces, especially just above your gums, in the dents on your back molars, and on the edges of any fillings you might have. The lactic acid produced by the bacteria in the plaque can slowly dissolve the enamel of your teeth, creating holes. These holes are better known as cavities. Once a cavity forms in your enamel, it can quickly move through the other layers of your tooth. When a cavity reaches your dental nerves, it can cause a lot of pain. OUCH!!!!!
How can you prevent cavities? So why is everyone always telling you to brush your teeth? In part, it’s because of plaque. By brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and really well, you can remove the plaque and stop it from building-up on your teeth. The toothpaste is basic with a pH of about 10 and it will neutralise acid in your mouth. If you can’t brush your teeth, rinse your mouth with water. This will help raise the pH of your mouth closer to a neutral 7 and reduce the acid levels in your mouth. Limiting the amount of sugary foods and acidic drinks you consume will also help.
TASK- Design an infographic
In pairs you are going to design an info-graphic to display information which will inform school students and their parents to help them understand the SCIENCE of great teeth care!!
WHAT IS AN INFO GRAPHIC?
An info-graphic is a very clever and professional way of capturing your audience, if created correctly. See some top tips for how to create an effective info-graphic:
5 tips for creating effective info graphics:
We are going to use CANVA to design our INFOGRAPHIC!!
In pairs you are going to design an info-graphic to display information which will inform school students and their parents to help them understand the SCIENCE of great teeth care!!
WHAT IS AN INFO GRAPHIC?
An info-graphic is a very clever and professional way of capturing your audience, if created correctly. See some top tips for how to create an effective info-graphic:
5 tips for creating effective info graphics:
- Define your infographic’s purpose. What do you want it to convey? To whom? What action to you want to inspire? Is it serious, funny?
- Tell a story. What’s your message? What words / images convey your message?
- Plan your infographic. Who’s your target audience?
- Do some research. It must inform the reader? The facts and information must be up to date and correct? Does it enable them to take action in a quick and easy way?
- Make sure it’s visual. It must combine words and pictures well is an art form. It must be visual to be effective but the visual must convey the message and the key information.
We are going to use CANVA to design our INFOGRAPHIC!!
FUN in the sun
So Let's experiment-How can we prevent SunBURN?
UV Beads are the perfect tool for understanding how solar radiation can be harmful and to recognise measures that can be taken to reduce the risks associated with exposure to sunlight. When you expose bare skin to sunlight, your skin will either burn or tan (which doctors warn is still not healthy for you). UV radiation wavelengths are short enough to break chemical bonds in your skin tissue and, with prolonged exposure, your skin may wrinkle or skin cancer may occur. These responses by your skin are a signal that the cells in your skin have been assaulted by UV radiation for a long time. Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and be aware of the UV Index report from your local weather forecaster.
After today you might have a great iodea for science fair project, here are a few other ways to create experiments using UV Beads.
HAVE FUN, but be careful in the sun!
After today you might have a great iodea for science fair project, here are a few other ways to create experiments using UV Beads.
- Observe how well the beads change color when exposed to sunlight at different times of the day or in different conditions (like a cloudy or overcast day). According to your data, what time of day does the sun give off its most intense UV light? Most weather forecasts now include a UV Index so you can tell when it’s OK to stay out in the sun a little longer.
- Test the ability of different sunglasses to block out UV light. Place a few beads in two cups. Cover one of the cups with a lens of the sunglasses and go outside with your cups. If the beads under the sunglasses don’t change color, the glasses block harmful UV light from your eyes.
- Test a variety of glass and plastic containers, or even prescription bottles, to determine which materials might block UV light. Place different transparent materials between a UV light source and the beads. You will find that the front windshield of most automobiles absorbs some UV radiation so the driver gets less eye strain. Usually, the side windows in a car do not have this built-in protection.
HAVE FUN, but be careful in the sun!
Catapults-Cat a Pult
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Recognise that understanding the scientific concepts such as enery transformation and name types of energy.
- Use the catapult model to explore the force exerted on the ping pong ball
- Collect data throughout this experiment, including the distance traveled by the ball until it lands on the floor.
- Calculate the average of a data set to reach valid conclusions.
A iceblock stick catapult works because energy can be converted from one type of energy to another and transferred from one object to another.
Law of Energy conservation states- “Energy cant be created or destroyed but transferred from one form to another”
Newton’s First Law states- "that an object stays at rest until a force is applied to the object"
SO when you pull down on the catapult arm, elastic potential energy is stored in the popsicle stick, when you release the catapult arm the potential energy is transformed in to kinetic energy which is transferred to the ping pong ball which then flies through the air and then that object gains gravitational potential energy!
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Time for some more Catapult fun!
Today, we are going to use our engineering skills to design catapults for a game! Did you know that many toy companies employ engineers to design toys? We will be working and having fun just like those engineers!
We will now compete for the ultimate prize!!
Now that we've learned all about catapults from our investigation, we are going to put that knowledge to work. Using some everyday materials, we will create catapult-like contraptions that can launch Ping-Pong balls with precision!
1. Identify your problem: “Build a Better Catapult”
2. Imagine ideas by brainstorming catapult designs: There is limitless information on the internet.
3. Design (draw and label) your prototype with a sketch. Include information about how Elastic Potential Energy will be converted into kinetic energy.
4. Create your prototype
5. Test it and evaluate the solutions.
6. Share your solutions- (you can include notes on your original sketch)
7. Redesign if needed.
8. Name your design and make a slogan for it
9. Let's PLAY for POINTS! (and prizes)
Now that we've learned all about catapults from our investigation, we are going to put that knowledge to work. Using some everyday materials, we will create catapult-like contraptions that can launch Ping-Pong balls with precision!
1. Identify your problem: “Build a Better Catapult”
2. Imagine ideas by brainstorming catapult designs: There is limitless information on the internet.
3. Design (draw and label) your prototype with a sketch. Include information about how Elastic Potential Energy will be converted into kinetic energy.
4. Create your prototype
5. Test it and evaluate the solutions.
6. Share your solutions- (you can include notes on your original sketch)
7. Redesign if needed.
8. Name your design and make a slogan for it
9. Let's PLAY for POINTS! (and prizes)
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