Water Wonders: Magic, Molecules, and More!

8th Grade

Project
1 week

Water Wonders: Magic, Molecules, and More!

Kelley Pulis

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to deepen students' understanding of water's unique properties—cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension—through engaging, hands-on experiences. By connecting molecular-level interactions to observable phenomena, students will explore how these principles manifest in everyday life and natural occurrences. Through experiments, demonstrations, and peer-teaching, students will actively apply their knowledge, fostering a real-world appreciation for the science behind water's behavior.

Learning goals

Students will understand and articulate the principles of cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension in water through hands-on experiments and real-world applications. They will develop skills in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing results, and communicating scientific concepts effectively. By participating in peer-teaching sessions and hosting a Water Science Carnival, students will demonstrate their ability to connect molecular interactions to observable phenomena in everyday life.

Standards

NGSS - MS-PS1-4: Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.
NGSS - MS-PS2-2: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.5: Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.

Products

Students will create interactive booths for a 'Water Science Carnival,' showcasing hands-on activities that demonstrate the principles of cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension. Each booth will feature experiments like bubble-making and water droplet races, allowing students to present their understanding through engaging demonstrations. Additionally, students will prepare mini-lessons for peer-teaching sessions, focusing on specific aspects of water's properties and their real-world applications. These products will serve as both educational tools and tangible evidence of students' grasp of the concepts.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Molecule Magic Show' where students participate in engaging live demonstrations that visualize cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension. Activities like creating giant bubbles and floating paper clips will captivate students' interest and curiosity. This interactive experience will set the stage for deeper exploration of water's unique properties, encouraging students to think critically about the phenomena they observe.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Water Science Carnival' to showcase their understanding of water's properties through interactive booths. Each booth will feature hands-on activities, such as bubble-making and water droplet races, demonstrating cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension. Students will prepare explanations and demonstrations to engage visitors and illustrate the scientific principles behind each activity. The carnival will serve as a platform for students to share their knowledge and creativity with peers, teachers, and family members.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Molecule Magic Show Launch - Engage students with live demonstrations such as creating giant bubbles and floating paper clips to visualize cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension, setting the stage for deeper exploration (45 min)	Exploring Cohesion and Adhesion - Conduct experiments with different materials like wax paper, glass, and fabric to observe how water's cohesion and adhesion vary on each surface, and record observations (25 min) Discussion and Reflection - Facilitate a class discussion to connect experimental observations to the concepts of cohesion and adhesion, encouraging students to articulate their understanding (20 min)	Surface Tension Investigation - Use household materials to demonstrate surface tension by creating and observing water droplets and floating paper clips, linking to real-world phenomena like insects walking on water (30 min) Peer-Teaching Planning - Begin preparing mini-lessons or demonstrations in small groups, focusing on a specific aspect of water's properties to be taught to classmates (15 min)	Peer-Teaching Sessions - Conduct peer-teaching sessions where students deliver their prepared mini-lessons and demonstrations, highlighting connections between water's properties and natural phenomena (30 min) Water Science Carnival Planning - Initiate planning for the 'Water Science Carnival' by brainstorming booth ideas and outlining the activities to be featured, ensuring a clear understanding of the principles to be demonstrated (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Presentation of mini-lessons in peer teaching sessions. 2. Initial design and plan for 'Water Science Carnival' booth, including a list of activities and materials needed.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for 'Molecule Magic Show' demonstrations (e.g., bubble solution, paper clips). 2. Acquire various surfaces for experiments (wax paper, glass, fabric). 3. Prepare multimedia aids (videos, diagrams) to illustrate molecular interactions. 4. Provide resources for students to research real-world phenomena related to water's properties. 5. Set up a schedule and format for peer teaching sessions.