Super Slime Science Spectacular!

5th Grade Project 1 week

Super Slime Science Spectacular!

Heriberto H

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Purpose

Explore the fascinating world of chemical reactions through the creation and experimentation with slime. Investigate the properties of slime, such as viscosity and elasticity, to understand how different ingredients interact to produce unique outcomes. Engage in hands-on workshops that blend science and art, fostering curiosity and scientific inquiry. Collaborate with local experts to deepen your understanding and share your findings in a community setting.

Learning goals

Explore the fundamental concepts of chemical reactions by investigating the properties of slime, such as viscosity and elasticity. Develop scientific inquiry skills through hands-on experimentation and documentation in a science journal. Enhance communication abilities by presenting findings and engaging in group discussions. Foster creativity by integrating art and science, guided by a local artist or maker, to create unique slime-based projects.

Standards

NGSS - 5-PS1-4: Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances.
NGSS - 5-PS1-3: Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

Products

Throughout this project, you'll create a detailed science journal documenting your experiments with slime, highlighting its properties like viscosity and elasticity. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive collection of observations and conclusions about chemical reactions. You'll also collaborate with a local artist to craft a unique slime-based art piece that combines scientific principles with creative expression, showcasing your understanding of the science behind slime.

Launch

Begin the project with an exciting slime-making demonstration that highlights the chemical reactions involved. Encourage students to make predictions about how different ingredients might affect the slime's properties. Following the demonstration, facilitate a brainstorming session where students generate questions they have about slime and chemical reactions, setting the stage for their experiments and investigations throughout the week.

Exhibition

Facilitate a science fair where you present your slime experiments and findings to classmates, teachers, and family members. Set up interactive stations to demonstrate the properties of slime, such as its viscosity and elasticity, and explain the chemical reactions involved. Collaborate with the visiting artist or maker to showcase creative slime-based art projects, highlighting the fusion of science and creativity. Engage your audience with hands-on activities that allow them to create their own slime, fostering a deeper understanding of the scientific concepts explored.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Discover Stage: Slime Making Demonstration - Begin the project with an exciting slime-making demonstration to observe chemical reactions in action and generate curiosity about the properties of slime (15 min) Discover Stage: Brainstorming Session - Facilitate a brainstorming session to generate questions about slime and chemical reactions, setting the stage for further exploration (20 min) Discover Stage: Reflection Circle - Reflect on the demonstration and brainstorming session, sharing personal insights and connections to the topic of chemical reactions (25 min)	Examine Stage: Question Generation - Collaboratively generate questions to deepen understanding of slime's properties, such as viscosity and elasticity (15 min) Examine Stage: Research and Investigation - Conduct hands-on investigations and watch videos to explore the scientific principles behind slime formation and its properties (35 min) Examine Stage: Seminar Discussion - Engage in a seminar-style discussion to share findings and perspectives, refining understanding of chemical reactions (10 min)	Engineer Stage: Hypothesis Development - Develop a hypothesis predicting how different ingredients will affect slime's properties, using evidence to support predictions (15 min) Engineer Stage: Experimentation Plan - Create a detailed plan outlining how to test the hypothesis and refine the slime-making process (25 min) Engineer Stage: T.A.G. Feedback - Share your plan with peers and receive T.A.G. Feedback to improve your experimental strategy (20 min)	Do Stage: Conduct Experiments - Perform a series of experiments to test the properties of slime, such as viscosity and elasticity, documenting findings in a science journal (30 min) Do Stage: Data Analysis - Use the Data Analysis Protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of the experiments and reflect on the findings (20 min) Do Stage: Team Discussion - Discuss the results and explore possibilities for further investigations or improvements (10 min)	Share Stage: Standards-Aligned Quiz - Individually check understanding through a quiz to assess knowledge of chemical reactions and slime properties (10 min) Share Stage: Presentation Preparation - Collaboratively design a presentation showcasing your slime experiments and findings, selecting relevant content and evidence (25 min) Share Stage: Presentation Rehearsal - Rehearse the presentation as a team, incorporating T.A.G. Feedback to make final improvements (15 min) Share Stage: Presentation Day - Present your project to classmates, teachers, and community members, responding to questions and reflecting on your learning journey (10 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed science journal with documented experiments and observations. 2. Unique slime-based art piece created in collaboration with a local artist.
Preparation	1. Gather slime-making materials such as glue, borax, cornstarch, and food coloring. 2. Prepare science journals for documenting observations. 3. Coordinate with a local artist or maker to participate in Thursday's session. 4. Set up areas for the science fair exhibition with necessary equipment and materials.